Theodore A. Burson

1941 - 2026

Theodore A. Burson

June 17, 1941 - January 27, 2026

Theodore A. Burson 'Ted' was born at home on Papakeechie Lake near Syracuse, Ind., on June 17, 1941. He met his Savior on January 27, 2026, right where he wanted to be, at home on Foote Lake in the woods of northern Michigan near Manistique, after a long, hard fought battle with cancer.

Ted loved basketball and played at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he met his future wife, Louise Binns. He was a Hall of Fame inductee, and he earned his B.A. in Physical Education with a minor in Mathematics, as well as a Master's from the University of Iowa in Elementary Administration. Ted and Louise were married on August 4, 1963, and what a wonderful life they shared together! They put down roots in Iowa where Ted was a teacher and a coach at Walcott School for countless students and athletes for 35 years. He taught science, math, and coached 7th, 8th, and 9th grade boys basketball, coaching over 600 games in his career.

Ted's childhood vacations were spent fishing and hunting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. After graduating from college, he and Louise purchased Delta Resort (now Burson's Delta Resort), a tranquil set of cabins nestled in the Hiawatha National Forest. They have owned, operated and maintained the resort for the past 62 years, and they devoted their summers to the resort on break from teaching. They retired to the UP from Walcott in 1997 where Ted built their log home. They have passed the love of the woods on to their two daughters, Dana and Jill, and now their families as well.

Ted was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Manistique, a charter member of the Walcott Lions Club, ISEA/NEA (Education), William Penn Alumni, University of Iowa Alumni, Superior A's Antique Auto Club (Marquette, Michigan), and MAFCA (Model A Ford Club of America).

He loved Louise and his girls deeply and cherished having family around! He is survived by his wife; daughter, Dana (Jim Lafrenz) and grandsons, Brandon (Janey) Lafrenz and Colby (Kendra) Lafrenz; and daughter, Jill (Scott Wagner) and grandkids, Wyatt Cross (Ryan Michalesko), Hannah (Brendon) Steinbrecher, Dalaney and Scotty Wagner. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren that he adored: Vivian Mae and James David Lafrenz, and Isaac Wilfred Lafrenz. He is also survived by his sister, Sherry Riedel; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marilyn Obermire, Connie and Brian Davis, and Bill Binns; and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Lucile; in-laws, Bennie and Mable Binns; as well as his half-brother, Bob Burson; half sister and brother, Jackie Mann and John Nebro; sisters-in-law, Nancy Maas and Linda Binns; and brothers-in-law, Tom Binns and Joe Obermire.

The family would like to thank Mayo Clinic, Green Bay Oncology, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and staff, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Hospice, and especially Penny Carlson, Ted's private duty aide. She was his angel and helped him 24/7 while he was in hospice care.

There will be a celebration of life for Ted this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the First United Methodist Church in Manistique, or the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Hospice program.

"You won't be far away. We'll see you in the seasons."

Fausett Family Funeral Homes

211 Arbutus Avenue, Manistique, Mi 49854

906-341-2442