Theresa Burns, 76, of Perry, Iowa, passed away on June 3, 2025, at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. She suffered a stroke while attending a Cowboy Mounted Shooting event, where she proudly watched her daughter and son-in-law compete.

Theresa was born on January 28, 1949, in Wheeling, Illinois, to James J. and June R. Burns. After graduating high school in Wheeling, she was gifted a horse—an event that marked the beginning of a lifelong journey with horses. She became active in 4-H and local saddle clubs, developing a deep and lasting passion for horsemanship. Theresa went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Dairy Science.

Her career was as varied as it was fulfilling. She worked as a dairy herd manager and consultant for Purina Mills, co-owned a ceramic studio with her sister, Alexis, and ran a landscaping business with her daughter. Later, she returned to the University of Wisconsin to work in the IT department before retiring and relocating to Perry, Iowa, in 2010 to marry Harley Weyer. Together, she and Harley shared a love of horses—working his draft horses in traditional farming methods and showing her Quarter Horses in carriage driving events.

In Perry, Theresa served as the church secretary at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, where she was a devoted member. She also followed her passion for equine wellness, becoming a certified equine bodyworker trained in the Masterson Method and other supportive modalities. A keen observer and advocate for horse welfare, Theresa was committed to helping animals heal and thrive.

Her life was richly textured with her love of nature, birds, gardening, flowers, sewing, and animals. A lifelong learner, she was an amateur flutist and embraced the unique challenge of playing the coach horn at driving events.

The common thread throughout Theresa’s life was her love of horses and her generous commitment to helping both them and the people who loved them. Her equine accomplishments were numerous and diverse. She was a skilled dressage rider and endurance competitor—her most memorable ride being a demanding 50-mile endurance event in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. She was also a highly accomplished carriage driver, judge, teacher, and consultant. In carriage driving, she mastered an array of hitches—including single, pair, tandem, random, and unicorn—but was most proud of successfully driving a four-in-hand, a prestigious and complex feat. Along the way, she mentored countless riders and drivers, always eager to share her time and knowledge.

Theresa was deeply rooted in the sport of carriage driving. A tireless worker and natural leader, she was known for her ability to get things done—and for doing them with heart. She welcomed all who crossed her path, encouraging others to join in, learn, and grow in their horsemanship.

A longtime member of the American Driving Society, she either participated in or volunteered at most driving events across Wisconsin, Iowa, and beyond. She earned her Level II Certificate through the Carriage Association of America’s Driver Proficiency Program and held a Level I Instructor designation. She was a founding member of the Midwest Distance Driving Association, a featured clinician at the 2024 ADS National Drive, and the organizer of the 2025 Midwest Regional Drive.

Theresa served in several key leadership roles, including President of the Mid-Iowa Driving Association and Associate Director of the Iowa Horse Council. Her dedication earned her many accolades, but beyond any title, she was known simply—and powerfully—as a helper.

Her leadership, knowledge, enthusiasm, encouragement, and friendship will be deeply missed—but long remembered. Her absence leaves a lasting void in the equine world and in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Theresa is survived by her husband, Harley Weyer of Perry; her daughter, Nicole “Nicky” (Tim) McDonald of Mineral Point, Wisconsin; her step-sons, Brad (JoAnna) Weyer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Nathan (Kelly) Weyer of Amsterdam; her step-grandchildren, Amanda (Andy) Dahlheimer, Amanda and Connor Weyer, and Jack and Grant Weyer; and her step-great-grandson, Calon Dahlheimer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and June Burns; her brother, Daniel G. Burns; her sister, Alexis M. Burns; and her nephew, Daniel J. Burns.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 920 15th St., Perry, IA, with Pastor Kimberly Belken officiating.

A Wisconsin-based celebration of life is being planned for this fall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the fund established in Theresa’s name, which will support initiatives within the regional equine and driving community—continuing her legacy of care, education, and advocacy for horses and their people

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