Eric Burton

Eric W. Burton was born July 27, 1959, in Minneapolis, to William and Ruth (Chader) Burton and graduated from Orono High School in 1977.  He attended North Hennepin Community College prior to enrolling in the University of Minnesota, where he received his degree in Biology.  He graduated from the University of MN Medical School and then enlisted in the US Navy.  He served on the USS St. Louis and spent the majority of his time in Japan, as Lieutenant Commander and served as the ship’s physician.

After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Minneapolis where he began his residency at Hennepin County Medical Center, first in family practice and then switching to Pathology.  On October 4, 1997, he was united in marriage to Karen Ruhe in a beautiful outdoor wedding in Spicer, MN.  They lived in Long Lake until 1999, when they moved to Welch, where they have lived the past 18 years.  Eric had worked as a forensic pathologist at Regina Hospital in Hastings and then at Fairview Red Wing Medical Center/ Mayo Clinic as a surgical pathologist.  He loved his profession and was very proud of it.

Eric was an avid reader, especially history books. He also enjoyed cars, specifically high-powered Mustangs and had raced them several times at Brainerd International Raceway. He was also a lover of music, lighthouses, and animals.  Sports were always a large part of Eric’s life and he especially enjoyed playing basketball.  He had a great sense of humor and was an all-around joker.  More than anything, he loved his children and the adventures they took.  Eric went above and beyond to make sure things were the best they could be for his family.

Eric died unexpectedly of natural causes, on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at his home, at the age of 58 years, 2 months and 27 days.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Karen and their children, Maddi and Zach.  He is also survived by his; siblings, Erica (Blake) Severin of Independence, and Alan (Susan) Burton of Minnetonka and their children, Peter and Chader Burton and Rachel Smith.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth and his sister, Kerry.