William Burns

1938 - 2025

William Burns
Born: January 21, 1938 in Pulaski, IA
Died: November 21, 2025 in Morris, IL
Age 87 of Morris, Illinois died Friday morning, November 21, 2025 at Serenity Estates in Morris, Illinois.
Born January 21, 1938, in Pulaski, Iowa, William Dean was the son of Bernard Marvin and Edith Gertrude (Wilson) Burns. He was raised in Pulaski and graduated from Pulaski High School. On July 8, 1962, Bill married Judith Reeves at the Methodist Church in Morris, and together they created a family rooted in love.
Bill farmed in Wauponsee and Norman Townships, where he raised Polled Hereford cattle. He also worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet, dedicating more than 30 years to the company before retiring. A man of strong faith, Bill was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Morris for more than six decades and was active in the Retired Men's Club.
Bill loved farming and being outdoors. He found pleasure in helping with 4-H cattle projects, working in the garden, and trimming the shrubs. He was easy-going, friendly and enjoyed talking. He also enjoyed country music, especially singer Mickey Gilley. Bill was family-focused and loved trips to visit family in Iowa and Tennessee. He also enjoyed vacations to Branson, Missouri, the Green Bay Packers, and watching classic western movies. After retiring, Bill found great joy in riding his bike up the road for miles and tending to his purple martins. Above all, he cherished his role as a grandfather and great grandfather. He loved every minute he got to babysit or support them in their activities. He was a man of faith, an early riser, and a tireless worker. Known for his kindness, gentle spirit, and sense of humor, Bill touched the lives of all who knew him.
Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Judy; children: Leann (Jim) Hill of Morris, Cheryl Stalder of Huxley, Iowa and Philip (Rhonda) Burns of Morris; grandchildren: Jonathan (Jessica) Hill, Lauren (Ryan) Vincent, Samuel Stalder, William Stalder, Taite Burns and Owen Burns; great grandchildren: Emily Vincent and Elijah Vincent; siblings: David (Debbie) Burns Pulaski of Iowa, Bonnie (Junior) Kerns of Las Cruces, New Mexico; sisters-in-law: Shirley Jorstad and Carol Jacobs, both of Morris, and brother-in-law: Jerry Gaffney of Barneveld, Wisconsin, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Marilyn (Burns) Harryman; brothers-in-law: Merlin Harryman, Russell Jorstad and Gilbert Jacobs; sister-in-law, Nancy Gaffney and son-in-law, Kenneth Stalder, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Glenn and Goldie Reeves.
The family will receive friends for a visitation at the First United Methodist Church, 118 W. Jackson Street in Morris on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and again on Monday morning, December 1, 2025 in the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service, 10:00 a.m. Pastor Hyo Sun Oh will officiate.
Burial will follow the services in Evergreen Cemetery, Morris. Pallbearers will be Bill's nephews: Steven Jorstad, Scott Gaffney, Ryan Jacobs, Brad Burns and Matthew Burns. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill's grandsons: Jonathan Hill, Samuel Stalder, William Stalder, Taite Burns and Owen Burns.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at The Gardens at Park Pointe, Serenity Estates, and Lightways Hospice for your compassionate care, love and support.