William R. "Bill" Burdick

William "Bill" R. Burdick

August 1, 1930 - July 21, 2024

JANESVILLE- William "Bill" R. Burdick, age 93, of Janesville, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 21, 2024, days short of his 94th birthday.

Bill was born in Janesville on August 1, 1930; the son of Francis and Frances (Strenge) Burdick. He married the love of his life, Shirley M. (Boos) Burdick on June 7, 1952, in San Antonio, TX. Bill's love for his coffee time brought him to the cozy Milton Family Restaurant, where he would share stories and laughter with fellow friends and family.

A proud veteran, Bill served in the United States Air Force from 1947 to 1967. His dedication took him through the Korean War and Vietnam, where he demonstrated unwavering courage and loyalty. His fellow servicemembers remember him as a steadfast companion and a true patriot. Bill also actively participated in the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary.

Weekends held a special place in Bill's heart. After attending the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturdays with his wife, they would head to the Ho-Chunk Casino, where luck was often on their side. His laughter echoed through the casino halls as he played his favorite games, creating memories that will forever be etched in our minds. He loved his military travel, from Alaska to the vibrant streets of Okinawa, all the way to the Aleutian Islands.

Bill worked at Burdick Corporation in Milton, WI, from 1968-1992, and while retired continued to regularly attend Burdick breakfasts.

Bill is survived by his children: Chris Fensterman, Dawn (Neil) Flood, Ronald (Dawn) Burdick, James (Joan) Burdick, Mark Burdick, Diane Swanson (John) Burns, and Bernadene Kuschel; grandchildren: Joel, Sarah, Matt, Eric, Michael, Amanda, Ben, Alyssa, Tim, Tiffany, Christopher, Courtney, Michael, Melinda, Zoe, Ella and Ian; and 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Burdick; parents, Francis and Frances Burdick; grandson, Brent; sister, Caroline Giessinger; and brothers, Frederick and Raymond Burdick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH in MILTON. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME; and will continue at Church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass.

Memorial donations can be made in Mr. Burdick's honor to Boy's Town of Lincoln, NE, or to a charity of your choice.

SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting his family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.