John Roy Burr

John R. Burr, age 91 of Oshkosh, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025. He was born in Oshkosh on July 18, 1933 to the late Lester and Dorothy (Hoffman) Burr. John was united in marriage to Marjorie Bakirakis on July 4, 1963, and had three children.

John was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to philosophy and education. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1955, he continued his studies at Columbia University, where he received both his Master’s and Doctorate in Philosophy, 1956 and 1959 respectively.

His academic career was extensive, including his first teaching position in 1959 as the adjunct professor at Franklin and Marshall College, to becoming the assistant professor at Hood College in 1961, before finding his home at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UWO) in 1964. John made significant contributions to the philosophy department, being appointed as Chairman from 1966-1976 and again in 2000, and co-editing the journal "Philosophy and Contemporary Issues" for over thirty years. In 1976, John became the Assistant Dean of Letters and Science at UWO. In 2015, he authored “Philosophy in the Shadow of Tomorrow”. He retired in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of thought and inspiration.

John is survived by his wife, Marjorie Burr; his children, Michael (Kimberly Nowak-Burr) Burr, Christopher Burr (Nicole Daggett) and Kara Burr; granddaughter, Ava Sophia Burr; sister, Charlotte Burr.

A memorial service for John will take place at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Eastside, 402 Waugoo Ave. on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 5:00 pm. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00 pm until the time of the service.