Michael Burley

Michael Robert Burley “Burls,” passed away peacefully in his sleep at his happy place—the cabin—on January 24, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on April 14, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, Mike lived a life full of compassion, friendship, and joy.

Mike is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his children: Bryan Burley (Tanya) with grandchildren Harper and Sydney; Brittany Finch (Josh) with grandchildren Miles and Savannah; and Christina Lill (Ryan) with grandchildren Gabriel, Jonah, and Ezekiel. He will be greatly missed by his siblings Bridget Stangl (Jim), Brian Burley (Suzette), Brad Burley (Teresa), Marty Burley, Matt Burley (Cathy), and Rob Burley, along with brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many cherished friends.

A man of energy and ambition, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit began with his childhood paper route and culminated in the founding of Burley Foods, where he built strong friendships that lasted decades. A proud member of the National Guard, Mike valued and cherished his lifelong connections with his Chi Psi brothers at the University of Minnesota.

Mike had a deep love of basketball and showcased his talent as a member of Edina High School’s 1967-68 State Championship team. He later served as president of The Golden Dunkers and was an ardent supporter of Gopher Men’s Basketball. Coaching his children’s teams and cheering on his grandchildren brought him joy—basketball was truly in his blood.

Mike loved the lake. Whether at Balsam Lake or Pickerel Lake, he was the first to take a dip in the spring and the last one out of the water in the fall. His dips—marked by his iconic “seal” calls—became a beloved tradition. Emerging from the water, he would always proclaim, “I’m a new man.”
Mike lived life fully and embraced the small joys such as calling “his people” every morning or eating out (any day that included a good plate of spaghetti was “the best”). He was great at giving fatherly advice and offered it to many, whether you were his child or not. The waterskiing lessons, the gator rides, or blackjack at the kitchen table. He knew fun.

Mike was a compassionate man. He was a kind man. He was a good husband. He was an amazing father and grandfather. He was a good friend to many. He danced better than he drove. He was a romantic. Mike found peace and comfort in his faith and knew that one day he would be united with Christ. Mike is now truly “a new man.” 
Preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy and his parents Bob and Gwen.

Blessed be the memory of Mike.

Visitation is Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Gill Brothers Southwest Funeral Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55419.

Memorial Service is Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:00am with a reception to follow at St. Stephen Lutheran Church at 8400 France Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55431.