Michael “Mickey” Lee Burns, 56, of Lame Deer, MT was called home by his father, Robert Nelson Burns Sr., who preceded him in death on the same day, 21 years prior. When Mickey began his journey home on the evening of December 23, 2023, his beloved wife, Lucinda “Cindy” Burns was by his side.
Mickey was born on October 3, 1967, to Robert Nelson Burns Sr. and Hansa Faye Spang-Burns in Columbus, MT. He graduated from high school in Colstrip, MT in 1987 where he excelled in football, softball, track, and basketball. Mickey then went on to further his education and received an Associate Degree from Chief Dull Knife College, in Lame Deer, MT. As an adult Mickey served as an influential mentor to many Northern Cheyenne youth in our community and was a group home leader at the Tall Whiteman Lodge in Ashland, MT for many years. He also spent some years working as a housing director for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe as well as transportation. He very much loved working with children in the Northern Cheyenne Community which led to him to the Boys and Girls Club in Lame Deer, MT where he worked for several years.
Evelyn Roundstone, a dear friend of Cindy’s, introduced the soon to be couple and shortly thereafter Mickey and Cindy began dating. On January 24, 2000, Mickey married the love of his life, Cindy, at their favorite vacation destination in Las Vegas, NV. Over the last 23 years together they have enjoyed traveling, taking scenic drives, and spending time with their many grandchildren.
As a child Mickey enjoyed being active and playing with his siblings and cousins, most notably, Casey LaFever. His mother described him as a “happy little boy.” In his teen years he enjoyed fishing with his dad and brothers, playing sports, bowling with his dad, and going hunting with his dad and older brother, Bobby. They frequently traveled during the summers to Thermopolis and South Dakota to partake in family activities. As an adult He enjoyed going on nature drives with his wife and grandson, Chance. On nice days, he could always be found outside enjoying the fresh air with his beloved puppies, Mike and Molly. Anyone who knew Mickey, knew how much he enjoyed watching football, the Pittsburg Steelers were his all-time favorite NFL sports team. Although board games are a touchy subject in the Burns household, he loved playing Yahtzee with his sister, Beverly, nephew, Shawn, and daughter, Heidi. Mickey was a dedicated and loyal friend and brother to many of his peers and offered so many words of wisdom to a lot of people. In addition to his mentorship abilities, he was also a very comedic man. He could always see the positive side of any situation and would leave everyone with laughs and smiles.
As a family, we find comfort in knowing that Mickey is no longer in pain and was received in heaven by his father, siblings, and beloved dog “Rocky.” Spread your wings and fly, you are home.
Mickey is survived by his Mother: Hansa Faye Burns, wife: Cindy Burns, June Eaton (Adopted Mom): Siblings: Roberta “Robin” Burns, Beverly Burns, and Robert “Bobby” Burns, Children: Heidi Burns (Ashton), Chontay Hiwalker, Shasta TallBull (Travis), Rossalyn Russell (Thomas), Cameron Russell, Collins Russell (Kayla), BabySon (Lindsey “his main”), Chance Russell, Clifford “Jabba” Russell IV, Theron, and many others who he considered his adopted children, Grandchildren: La Shantae, Courage, Joce’Nia, Two Lances, Jessica, Luna, Ziyanna, Liam, Bentley, Marsean, Rory, Cameron Jr. “Baby Cam,” Shandelle, Azuria, Raya, Arizen, Presley, Karaya, Wind, RaeAnne, and Taliah, Aunts and Uncles: Terry Spang, Jule Spang, and Bonnie Belt Nieces and Nephews: Stormey Robinson (William), Robert “Little Bobby” Robinson, Shawn Shelley (Niamph), Stephanie Hauge (Monte), Courtney Burns, Tyler Burns (Megan), Kylee Burns, Macy Burns, Isaiah Singer, DL Singer, and numerous great Nieces and Nephews, God Children: Raymielle Haugen, Shawn Shelley, and Abigail Haugen, Adopted Family: Rhonda Singer (Sister), Eugene Limpy (Dad), Van Ordon Family, Benny Speelman (Brother), Thaddeus (Nancy) Red Bird (Brother), Cleroy Red Bird (Brother), and Jesse Sullivant (Son), Special Friends: Pascol Shoulderblade, Delano Harris, Ernie Nanez, Daniel BigMan, Troy Nott, Kelley Thompson, Queeda Wigert, Shane Small, and Mariah Walkslast.
Mickey is preceded in death by his Father: Robert Nelson Burns Sr., Siblings: Jeffrey Burns and April Burns (infant), Grandparents: Alfonzo Spang, Mary Callsfirst-Spang, Robert James Burns Sr., and Harriet Mae Burns, Aunts and Uncles: Ernest Spang, Gordon Spang, Leroy Spang, Wilmer Spang, Darrell Spang, Jennie “Pink” Little Coyote, Dempsey Burns, and Phylis LaFever.
Mickey was loved by many and had so many friends, if we have missed anyone, please accept our sincere apologies. The family would like to highlight the Spang and Burns family as a whole, Mickey loved and cherished them all dearly. In lieu of flowers please consider offering a monetary donation to help his wife, Cindy with the financial hardship she will be absorbing.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday December 28, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday December 29, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 29, 2023
Spang Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday December 28, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday December 29, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 29, 2023
Spang Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Share
Cynthia Stanton says
I’m sorry to read of Michael’s passing.
Shelly Holum says
Sending prayers to all of the family
Janet Feil says
Such a special and loving man. I will miss him forever….
Danetta F says
Oh Micky D!!! I will miss your teasing about the Chiefs football team! I loved to banter back and forth with ya about it. I’m sis sorry about his passing. My deepest condolences
Shane M. Small says
We sure had fun growing up, BB guns taken away, so we used our pointer finger as guns. With that one shot from my finger I hit Mickey, being as real as it gets he fell out of the tree and broke his wrist. It was a joy to see you Mickey where ever we crossed trails you had your “tee hee hee” giggle and big smile and was a joy to be around. I’ll miss you buddy…shane
Pamela Spang says
So sorry to hear about Mickey! It’s been a ruff year for all of us. Praying God gives you peace!
Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
Our Deepest Condolences & Prayers to his entire family. RIP Mickey.
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun
pat riedel says
Hansa, Bobby and family
sorry to hear of Mickey’s paswing. he was always a joy to be around and he always had a smile for everyone (even during the bad times)
he will be missed
love and tears
pat riedel
Kellye Thompson says
Cindy & family,
I am so sorry about Mickey. He was a dear friend. I will miss our chats. He was so proud of your family. It was obvious to anyone who knew Mickey that he adored Cindy & loved his family with all of his heart. I will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers. Know that he will be watching over you all. He was a great guy & I am sure going to miss him.
Ruth Risingsun Phillips says
My deepest condolences to the family of Mickey. Prayers for comfort.
Heath Nation says
We became friends the first time we met in High School , had alot of great times playing basketball, he always had smile on , and fun to de around, rest in piece my friend
Cousin Roberta says
Cousin Mickey you were such a positive part of my son’s life…you gave him the hope of living life as an amputee. Thanks for trying to “convince” the old man about “you know wat”. Give Gramma Eldora a hug for me and watch over us all…you’ll always be missed and never ever forgotten ❤️
R Vasquez says
I’m so so sorry my friend. He is as old as my girls. God I can’t think of a life taken so young my prayers with you and family. I love you my girl. God love you and give you peace at this time of hurt.
Mary Holzwarth says
My deepest condolences to the Burns & Spang families. You are all in my thoughts & prayers, during this time! Fly high & Free!!!
Anonymous says
Condolences to Aunt Hansa Faye, Bev, Robert & Cindy, as well as all family/friends he left behind. He will be dearly missed. I pray for strength and comfort to get you through the toughest days. And I pray peace for you, knowing that Mickey is in Jesus’ loving arms and is surrounded by love and light.
Lynnette Brownell says
My deepest condolences to your family. Rest in peace Mickey.
Cheyenne Hendrickson says
R.I.P Micky journey well my friend
Willowa Heppner French says
To the Burns and Spang families I am very sorry to hear of Mikey passing. Hugs and Prayers. Fly pain free and watch over the loved ones left here on Earth.
Donna says
Condolences to Cindy and family hugs and prayers!
Andrita Harris says
Cindy, Hansa Faye, Burns & Spang Family
So sorry to hear of Mickey’s passing, Cuz you will be missed. We still have the largest class. Good times driving home, David, Shaun, you and I from Colstrip. The night Colts beat Baker. Driving home after practice. You were my Bro will miss you. Good State track meets we had. You are not in any pain, Fly high enjoy your life; Watch over all of us. PRAYERS RIP
Bonnie Bigback says
To all the Burns and Spang families: so very sorry to learn of your losses. Please accept our condolences and our prayers for your comforting and healing.
Arnie $ Debby Bends says
To the entire Mickey Burns family and friends, we send our condolences at his untimely passing. We joyed the far to infrequent visits with Mickey but know that he is now in our lords hands and with his loved ones who passed before him. RIP Mickey🙏🏼.
Arnie and Debby Bends
Linda Campbell says
I am so sorry for your loss. He had a great sense of humor and was so kind.