Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
BURHANS, William ?Bill? ?Bronco? ? Of Flint, age 65, passed away Friday, May 16, 2014 at Genesys Regional Medical Center, after a short battle with cancer.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2014 at the
Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Father Steve Anderson officiating.
Burial in Great Lakes National Cemetery.
Visitation 5-8 p.m. Wednesday and 1-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
A Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Bill was born in Flint, Michigan on February 1, 1949, to Ralph and Alice Burhans(Schmoak).
He graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1967.
Bill returned to Flint in 1972, after three tours of duty in Vietnam, while honorably serving in the U.S. Army?s 1st Infantry Division, earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for Valor.
After his discharge he returned to General Motors, where he was employed as a Tool and Die Maker for 47 years, retiring in 2013.
He was always proud of coaching Little League Baseball in the City of Flint during the eighties, where he led the ?Local 1292 Pick Up?s? to a Division Championship in 1983.
He married Patricia Lince on October 13, 2001 in Tampa, FL.
Bill never turned away a stranger in need and was known for helping anyone he came in contact with.
In retirement he enjoyed golf and spending time with his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife, Patricia;
sons, Jeremy and wife Corinn (Smith),
Zachary and wife Susan (Yapp),
Timothy and wife Karyn (Van Sipe),
Matt and wife Christy (Welch),
Jason and wife Gina (Bradley);
11 grandchildren;
three great-grandchildren;
seven siblings; countless nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, out-laws and friends.
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the Burhans Family.
Alex Makielski
May 26, 2014 | Toronto
so sorry to read of Bill's passing. We were classmates at Dye and Ainsworth. Your family will be in my prayers.
Jeanne Lueckeman Eastman
Flint, MI
May 25, 2014
Jeremy and family, I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Khaalid Robinson
May 23, 2014 | Grand Rapids, MI
We knew Bill best as a man who valued family most of all. Remembering happier times over the years with the Burhans at Wilda & Dave's Christmas party's... Bill, Jeremy and Darci in close competition for who brought the best soup. The chance to watch Bill's sons mature into the fine men they are today with growing families of their own. The pleasure in meeting Pat and seeing the joy she brought to Bill's life! Lastly remembering with love and appreciation the young Burhan boys who welcomed...
Jane & Bill Foy
May 22, 2014 | Flint, MI
Tim and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Pamela Stephenson
May 21, 2014 | New Baltimore, MI
To the Burhans Family, my deepest sympathy. I only knew Bill briefly, but from the first time we met, it seemed like we had been friends all our lives. Bill was a warm, caring, loving individual and I will miss him.
Ronald Hart
May 21, 2014 | Redondo Beach, CA
It was such a great honor to meet you last year and to be able to thank you for for your service to our Country. You are now in heaven protecting us all and we will continue to stand in your honor. God Bless You and your family.(Human Wall For Fallen Soldiers)
Cheryl Penney
May 20, 2014 | Wilmington, NC
Pat I am so sorry for your loss, prayers are with you. Shirley Downie
Shirley Downie
May 20, 2014 | Swartz Creek, MI
Zach and family. My deepest sympathy is with you and your family. Carol Little (worked at middle school)
Carol Little
May 20, 2014 | Flint Twp, MI