Mike was a graduate of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Grade School and Althoff Catholic High School. He remained an active parishioner of Queen of Peace all his life. He was also a devoted volunteer for Caritas Family Solutions. His desire to be in service to others extended to his work as an attorney representing people with serious end of life illnesses. He was a true humanitarian. Even in death, his kindness extended to many others as a donor.
As a youth Mike was a record-holding swimmer, and went on to swim on scholarship for Saint Louis University. He continued this lifelong passion as a coach and swam a mile almost daily, making friends with his lane buddies at the Y. Mike graduated from The University of Illinois in 1981 with a degree in Accountancy. He continued at Saint Louis University Law School where he met his wife, Belinda. They graduated together in 1984, married the following year, and spent 31 very happy years together raising their daughters and sharing good times with friends and family.
Mike loved his family dearly and never knew a stranger. He expressed his love through thoughtful acts of kindness and a willingness to drop everything to help. He was always thinking of others, quick to forgive, and found the good in every person. His acts of kindness could fill a novel. He was a dear friend to so many, and made a point to keep in contact with friends near and far throughout his life. Known for his infectious smile, he was a man of great integrity and sincerity. He was always willing to do the right thing, even when it was hard.
He was broken hearted by the death of his mother, Dolores Burnworth.
He will always be loved by his wife, Belinda. He lives on through his daughters, Maggie Burnworth, Sara Buethe, Grace “Peeper” Burnworth and Sara’s husband John, whom he loved as a son. His memory will be cherished by his father, William “Bill” Burnworth; siblings, John Burnworth, Jeff Burnworth, Ann Lewis, and Billy Burnworth and all his beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Grade School, to Caritas Family Solutions, or to St. Vincent DePaul Society at Queen of Peace. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. Jack McEvilly officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Michael Burnworth
Burns was a beloved friend. Mike was the ‘glue’ that kept all of his swimming buddies together. I loved his no-nonsense pragmatic approach to life and know that he dearly treasured his family. I loved getting the annual Christmas card that showed his 3 beautiful daughters growing from childhood to adulthood. I will miss him deeply and hope his family has many happy memories to cherish.
Laura Adair, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Burnworth Family,
Thoughts and Prayers are with your family. sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your family
Sister Mitzi, belleville,, il,
It has been a blessing to have been the recipient of Mike’s kindness, support, friendship and his warm smile. What a loss. We will miss him.
Jane Spreng, Belleville, Illinois, 62221
Belinda , so sad to hear of Mike’s passing I always enjoyed seeing him out and grateful we ran into you guys at 4204 not too long ago! I have known Mike for many years and he will truly be missed ! Debbie
Debbie Larkin, Belleville , Il, 62223
Mike was a great guy with a great sense of humor.
He was a great family man that always put his family first. We will all miss him. My condolences to his whole family.
Vicky Smolik, Belleville, IL, 62223
I will never forget Mike’s smile and his ever-present cheerful disposition. He was the epitome of a perfect neighbor and friend. May God bless Belinda, his daughters, and the extended Burnworth family.
Tim Clark, Belleville, IL, 62223
Remembering the great days at Althoff and the few times we got to meet as we got older. A wonderful man that will be loved and remembered always. My sympathy to the family. May he Rest In Peace.
James Hopper, Brighton, Illinois, 62012
As young boy Mike had his winning smile and a can do attitude. His loving kindness was always shining through his actions. The world will be diminished because Mike is no longer a part of our world.
Donna Braden, Hannibal, Missouri, 63401
Good friends are the rare jewels of life – difficult to find and impossible to replace. Even though we are far away from all of you, we feel your pain and sorrow, and hope that you can feel our love and the warmth of our hugs. The Beals, Marc, Toni, Eric and Shirley (Coach)
Shirley Beal Soldavini, Novato, CA, 94945
Mike was one of my favorite swimmers in Maryville! I loved watching him. He definitely kept his lane buddies in check. He was a great guy! He will be missed!!!
Alie Morgan, Maryville, IL, 62062
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Burnworth family on your terrible loss! We remember Mike’s gentle kindness and his big smile and laugh! May happy memories ease your sorrow.
Debbie and Charlie Thacker, Swansea, Il, 62226
Mike was a true friend. I swam with Mike for more than 10 years at the YMCA. During this time we developed a great friendship. His love for Belinda and the girls was tremendous. Between the painful laps (many) and hard sets (he insisted) we would share stories of our loved ones and the peace and happiness they brought us in life. I will truly miss his presence and friendship. There is no doubt that my time in the pool will now will feel his absence. Much love to Belinda and the girls. Your husband and father was an inspiration to me in many ways. A true athlete, a true gentlemen and a true friend.
Alex Clark, St. Louis, Missouri, 63122
Sending sympathies and prayers to the whole Burnworth family. Our Dad knew the Burnworths from the old days in East St. Louis and of course, everyone knew Mike as a great lawyer and wonderful person. This is such shocking news. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Sheila O’Brien, Glenview, Illinois, 60025
The death of a parent or spouse, no matter the age, is a great loss. Thank God for the gift of memory and cherish them for all they represent of this fine man.
Jerry Molitor, Chicago, Illinois, 60640
Belinda, Maggie, Sarah, Grace and Family,
I can’t tell you how sorry I am. Mike made everyone feel like they were his friend and valuable. I am so speechless. I can’t imagine how all of you are feeling. He was the best of the best! He will truly be missed…
Carla Goetz, Shrewsbury, MO, 63119
The one of many of my brother, Scotts ffriens that never treated me like just Scotty’s little sister. I was my own person. My own part of the swim teams. That is how Burns made me feel, always invited and welcomed like family.
Scott and I adored him and loved his family so much.
Like Agnes said he was the ‘glue’. So many get togethers, and swim reunions were at his doing.
Our Tuesday nights at Jefferson’s…all him.
A better friend to my brother there will never be. And to me as well.
Burns, thank you for the privelage of being in our lives.
You are forever in our hearts. Love always the Gardeners.
Stacey Gardner, Belleville, IL, 62223
Belinda, Maggie, Sara and Grace…I was so saddened and shocked to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a wonderful friend and co-worker. Having worked with him for some 25 years, I came to know each of you better as Mike shared with me his pride in each of you. He was a wonderfuld person and as many have said, he was always thinking of others and was so kind to others. I shall miss him. Tears flowed when I heard of his death. The world has certainly lost a great person, friend, father and husband. I am praying for each of you in these difficult days.
Kay Kuehne
Kay A. Kuehne, Granite City, IL , 62040
Belinda and girls;
We are both saddened of the news of Mike’s sudden passing. Mike was always so welcoming and warm in conversation; always asking about others and their well being. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Daniel and Jeanine Muskopf, Gilbert, AZ, 85295
Belinda, Peace and love to you and the girls.
Diane Harper, Prospect, KY, 40059
Belinda, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. The last time I had the pleasure of seeing Mike was at a Catholic charity function in Monroe County. He was a man full of warmth and a gentle soul. I will forever remember his smile. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Tootie Streif, Columbia, Illinois, 62236
Belinda,
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know you have many friends who care about you and love you.
Love,
Jim and Sue
Jim & Sue Foley, Stuart, Florida, 34996
I was so saddened to learn of Mike’s death. Please accept my sympathy. My prayers will be with you, Belinda, and with all your family.
Marsha Voss, Mill Valley, CA, 94941
Dear Belinda and daughters, I am so saddened by the passing of Mike. Please accept my sympathies. He was truly the nicest, most caring, salt of the earth man I have ever met. When my sister, Kim, moved next door to your family, you welcomed her and Nick with loving open arms. I pray to God to ease your pain and bring you peace in the days to come. Mike is in God”s arms and in your hearts forever.
Kathy Zaring, Fairview Heights, Illinois, 62208
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was touched by Mike, especially his family. We met at the pool,spent hours together traveling to meets, and we were a team, all of us. Mike had a great smile that was infectious and was the definition of a Christian. Swim on Mike
Karen Strong
Karen Strong, Scottsdale , AZ, 85251
Mrs. Burnworth,
I was so sorry to learn about the death of your husband. I understand how hard it is to lose a spouse. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Meg Gundlach
Meg Gundlach, Belleville , IL, 62223
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. All the good he did and the love you shared will live on. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sr. Darleen Mayo, Chicago, IL, 60645
Many prayers to your family as you grieve Mike’s sudden passing. It has been a privilege to be a part of your extended family. God Bless.
Karin L Lawton-Dunn, Grimes, IA, 50111-1139
So sorry to hear of your sudden loss. It was a great pleasure to teach Mike and your daughters at Queen of Peace. You have our prayers and sympathy. Lois Eckert
Lois Eckert, Belleville, Illinois, 62226
My deep, sincere sympathy to Belinda, Maggie, Sara and Grace. Mike was a prince of a guy and the best, most honest and ethical attorney I have ever known. He was a true gentleman and it was a blessing to work with him for so many years. He loved his family so much and was so very proud of them. I will miss you so much my friend. God Speed, Mike.
Donna Crawford, Wood River, Illinois, 62095-1724
Sara,
I am deeply saddened to hear about your father’s passing. However, I was inspired by what I read about his life. If I can lead anywhere near that kind of life and raise daughters that do the kind of work you do here at CJA, I know that it will have been good. It looks like your father has reached that ultimate goal and I can only imagine how proud he is of you and the life he chose to lead. I have been praying for him and your family and will continue to do so. Please let me know if you need anything.
David Diehl, Chicago, Illinois, 60644
We send prayers and blessings for your family and are so very sorry for the loss of your dear husband and father. We will always remember spending time together at Marquette and remember Mike as a kind and loving man.
The Berg Family, Los Angeles, California, 90045
Dear Belinda,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. You have been a wonderful mentor to Caden and an excellent example to the community with your music and teaching. Peace and love to all of you.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Amy, Jeff, Caden, Jake, Tyler and Finn Pollock
Amy Pollock, Belleville, IL, 62223
Dear burnworth family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Belinda and grace have been wonderful teachers for our children and we are so very sorry for all of you.
Our sympathies,
Roger, Kara and David and Cecilia Osthoff
Osthoff family, Belleville , I’m , 62223
So sorry for your loss. I remember his contagious smile and quick wit. Much love to you and the girls.
Cynde Keating, Winterset, Iowa, 50273
Please accept our deepest condolences, may his bright memories be uplifting during such difficult times. Your family is in everyone’s prayers here at Avila University.
Noor Higley, Kansas City, MO, 64118
Burneorth Family
Ann “Waldron” Bogner, Lafayette , Co, 80026
To All
So sorry to hear of the sudden loss.
Anytime is hard to accept.
My deepest sympathy. Ann
Ann “Waldron” Burnworth, Lafayette , Co, 80026
Sara,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I wanted to just let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Charlotte Curtis, Downers Grove, Illinois, 60104