John Burr
The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh community is mourning the passing of long time philosophy faculty member, John Burr.
Burr was a member of the philosophy department and UW-Oshkosh faculty for 54 years.
Department Chair Robert Wagoner shared obituary details provided by Burr’s family:
John R. Burr, age 91 of Oshkosh, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Lakeshore Manor Assisted Living Facility. He was born in Oshkosh on July 18, 1933 to Lester and Dorothy (Hoffman) Burr. John was united in marriage to Marjorie Bakirakis on July 4, 1963, and the couple had three children.
He 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 Colombia 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 in 1964.
Burr 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 more than 30 years. In 1976, he became the assistant dean of the College 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.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Burr; his children, Michael (Kimberly Nowak-Burr) Burr, Christopher Burr and Kara Burr; granddaughter, Ava Sophia Burr; and sister, Charlotte Burr.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service for John will take place at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Eastside, 402 Waugoo Ave. on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 5 p.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of the service.