In Memory Of
Eileen Burnau
1945
2021
Eileen Burnau
February 7, 1945 — July 24, 2021
In Loving Memory
Eileen Burnau
1945 - 2021
Eileen Burnau died July 24, 2021, in Stormont Vail Hospital.
Eileen was born Eileen Marie Sievers, February 7, 1945, the daughter of Lyle and Bonita (Bonnie) Sievers. The family lived in Nebraska and New York State before settling in Blackfoot, Idaho. Eileen was a graduate of Blackfoot High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in microbiology from Idaho State University and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas. She also completed graduate coursework in DNA profiling at the University of Virginia.
Straight out of college, Eileen came to Kansas to work for the Kansas Department of Health Laboratories. Six years later, she joined the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Forensic Laboratory. Over her 25-year career at with the KBI as biology program manager, Eileen had more than 1200 hours in advanced professional training in forensics, and more than 500 hours in training at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy. Eileen gained a reputation as an expert in serology and DNA analysis. She was called as an expert witness in courts throughout Kansas and before the Kansas Legislature. She was involved in training scientists and law enforcement officials. She was an adjunct professor at Washburn University, teaching forensic science. She was a sought-after public speaker before civic, legal and medical groups.
In 1995, Eileen was honored with the designation "Woman of Excellence" in the category Government/Education at the YWCA's Annual Tribute to Women and Employers. The YWCA summarized her career this way:
Eileen Burnau "...has been recognized for development of a standardized 'rape kit' and in developing a DNA analysis program.... Her development of the rape kit has standardized procedures regarding the collection of evidence from sexual assault victims that is now routinely used statewide and is a major component in prosecution of rapists. The development of the DNA analysis was initiated by Burnau well before DNA was generally recognized for its breakthrough identification properties. She took the lead with law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys to win support from the legislature for the DNA project."
Over the years, Eileen enjoyed gardening, reading, playing bridge, swimming, designing and decorating her home, classic movies and adventurous cooking. She earned a Master Gardner certificate from Kansas State University and won a Topeka Beatification award for Best Patio in the city.
Late in life Eileen was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis. Although the disease limited her mobility, she never complained, she never gave up. She will be remembered for her smile, her wit, her humor, and her insatiable curiosity for the new.
Eileen's family wishes to thank the staff at Midland Care Thrive at Home Program for the exceptional care given Eileen.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law, William and Michael McKim.
Eileen is survived by her husband of 51 years, Patrick Burnau; her brother, Douglas Sievers, Eagle, ID; sister- and brother-in-law, Cathy and Dan Warford, Topeka; sister-in-law, Raye McKim, Renville, MN; niece, Marni Schleuning, Topeka, Kansas; nephews, Tim McKim, Glenwood, MN, Sean McKim (Anna), St. Louis Park, MN, Kirk McKim (Carla), Minnetonka, MN, Michael Warford (Trish), Olathe, KS; and eleven grand nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the Topeka Community Foundation, where Eileen and Patrick established a scholarship fund that will benefit students seeking financial aid.
Immediate services will be private. Inurnment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.
To leave a message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.
Eileen Burnau
1945 - 2021
Eileen Burnau died July 24, 2021, in Stormont Vail Hospital.
Eileen was born Eileen Marie Sievers, February 7, 1945, the daughter of Lyle and Bonita (Bonnie) Sievers. The family lived in Nebraska and New York State before settling in Blackfoot, Idaho. Eileen was a graduate of Blackfoot High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in microbiology from Idaho State University and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas. She also completed graduate coursework in DNA profiling at the University of Virginia.
Straight out of college, Eileen came to Kansas to work for the Kansas Department of Health Laboratories. Six years later, she joined the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Forensic Laboratory. Over her 25-year career at with the KBI as biology program manager, Eileen had more than 1200 hours in advanced professional training in forensics, and more than 500 hours in training at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy. Eileen gained a reputation as an expert in serology and DNA analysis. She was called as an expert witness in courts throughout Kansas and before the Kansas Legislature. She was involved in training scientists and law enforcement officials. She was an adjunct professor at Washburn University, teaching forensic science. She was a sought-after public speaker before civic, legal and medical groups.
In 1995, Eileen was honored with the designation "Woman of Excellence" in the category Government/Education at the YWCA's Annual Tribute to Women and Employers. The YWCA summarized her career this way:
Eileen Burnau "...has been recognized for development of a standardized 'rape kit' and in developing a DNA analysis program.... Her development of the rape kit has standardized procedures regarding the collection of evidence from sexual assault victims that is now routinely used statewide and is a major component in prosecution of rapists. The development of the DNA analysis was initiated by Burnau well before DNA was generally recognized for its breakthrough identification properties. She took the lead with law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys to win support from the legislature for the DNA project."
Over the years, Eileen enjoyed gardening, reading, playing bridge, swimming, designing and decorating her home, classic movies and adventurous cooking. She earned a Master Gardner certificate from Kansas State University and won a Topeka Beatification award for Best Patio in the city.
Late in life Eileen was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis. Although the disease limited her mobility, she never complained, she never gave up. She will be remembered for her smile, her wit, her humor, and her insatiable curiosity for the new.
Eileen's family wishes to thank the staff at Midland Care Thrive at Home Program for the exceptional care given Eileen.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law, William and Michael McKim.
Eileen is survived by her husband of 51 years, Patrick Burnau; her brother, Douglas Sievers, Eagle, ID; sister- and brother-in-law, Cathy and Dan Warford, Topeka; sister-in-law, Raye McKim, Renville, MN; niece, Marni Schleuning, Topeka, Kansas; nephews, Tim McKim, Glenwood, MN, Sean McKim (Anna), St. Louis Park, MN, Kirk McKim (Carla), Minnetonka, MN, Michael Warford (Trish), Olathe, KS; and eleven grand nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the Topeka Community Foundation, where Eileen and Patrick established a scholarship fund that will benefit students seeking financial aid.
Immediate services will be private. Inurnment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.
To leave a message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eileen Burnau, please visit our flower store.
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