William J. Burns

February 29, 1932 - November 26, 2009

Our Dad and the love of our Mother's life, William ( Bill) James Burns, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Thursday, November 26, 2009 at St. Anthony Hospital, Michigan City, Indiana. Bill, a loving grandpa, dad and husband, was born February 29, 1932 in Coalmont, Indiana. He was the son of the late James and Evelyn Burns. Bill was married on June 26, 1954 in Michigan City to Marilyn Joyce King, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Catherine (Dick) Cripe, Maple Valley, Washington, Cindy (John) Galligan, Michigan City and Sally Burns of South Bend, Indiana; two granddaughters, Emily Cripe and April ( Patrick) Toomey, Chicago, Illinois, one sister, Sarah Dierdorf of Michigan City, loving Nieces and Nephews, and his beloved dog Molly. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harold Burns of Laurel, Montana and Howard Burns of Coalmont, Indiana. Bill served in the Air Force from 1950 – 1952. He retired from Bethlehem Steel, where he worked for 30 years as an electrician. Bill was also a member of American Legion Skwiat Post No. 451 and Masonic Lodge No. 83. You could always find Bill working in his garage or helping a neighbor. His greatest joys in life were taking camping trips with Marilyn and the girls, and hunting and fishing with his brother Howard at their cabin on the White River. Bill was always willing to lend a hand and never met a stranger. He was very proud of his granddaughters. He will be thought of, missed, and held in our hearts every day. Bill was always most comfortable wearing jeans and Western shirts. That is who he was. So at the request of our family, please come casually dressed to the visitation and service. Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the funeral service will be Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 1:30 p.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home, Michigan City, Indiana. Internment will follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Visiting Nurses Association, 901 S. Woodland Ave. Michigan City, Indiana, 46360.

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Dear Dad, It's Father's Day... and I want to send this message to you in heaven to let you know that I miss you and not a day goes by that I don't think about you. God blessed me with wonderful parents. I'll see you again... until then, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Happy Father's Day, Dad. Love you, Cindy

A tribute to you Dad, as we approach your almost birthday! Of course we think of you often and still look to you for guidance. I just know you are looking down on us and we feel your presence every day. You help us, we look towards the Heaven and say " Thanks Dad" !! We miss you and love you. Thank you for watching over us. We appreciate your help and guidance! Love You and Happy Birthday Dad! Cindy

To My Dear Dad... Happy Father's Day to you in heaven. We remember all you have taught us and not one day goes by that we don't think and speak of you. You've become a GREAT GRANDPA to an adorable BABY BOY ... yes Dad... a BOY!! Named after you too!! Your legacy lives on... and always will. We miss you more with every passing day. Tears still flow and my heart still aches, but I know you are with our family and your buddies who have gone before us. So Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Happy Father's Day, Dad. Love You, Cindy

Thinking of you today Dad, we would have celebrated your "non-birthday" today (February 29 - leap year day.) We all miss you so much. So many times Dick and I have said "we wish Dad could see this", "we wish we could ask Dad about this", and "Oh, Dad would love this!" It seems like yesterday that you were with us, sharing and celebrating. Look over us always. Cathy

To my dearest Bill, 20 years ago today, we lost my sweet, gentle Mom. Please tell her that we all still think of her with love. "Mom, this is going to be a wonderful year. Emily is getting married to a wonderful man in October. You would love him too, Mom. They are so perfect for each other. April & Patrick are expecting their baby boy May 6. So thrilled!!!Miss you always...Love, Marilyn"

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Thinking of you today, Dad, and wishing you were here with us all. I can imagine how tickled you would be at the idea of having a new great-grandson in May- a BOY Dad! -as April and Patrick become parents. And your happiness when Emily and Pete wed in October, getting to share in my and Dick's joy. Missing you, Dad, and remembering you in thoughts and prayers. Your Loving Daughter, Cathy

Hey Bill...I missed posting on the 26th but you know you were on my mind and you never leave my heart. I'm sure you knew long before we did that you and I are going to be great grandparents. Are you happy that it is going to be a boy? Wish you could be here to see him and watch him grow with us. But I have no doubts that you will be watching him and guiding him. I will be taking you with me to Seattle soon. .....Always and forever, your loving wife Tillie

Dear Dad, Each and every day you are in my thoughts and my prayers. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. You are in my dreams and I hear you speaking to me. I feel your love and your presence around me... guiding and watching over all of us. Three years ago we had to say goodbye, but you didn't go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. Miss you Dad... more than anyone knows, Love, Cindy

Tomorrow is Father's Day, Bill. Our girls couldn't have had a better father then you. I know they will be lovingly thinking about you tomorrow. We all miss you so very much......John is going fishing out on the lake Monday. I hope he lands a big one..........My raised bed garden is doing great. Flowers are beautiful.............Tell my Dad I said Happy Father's Day. Miss him dearly too..........xoxoxox

Happy Father's Day, Dad! Remembering you is so easy... as you are always in my heart and on my mind. Truly, not a day goes by that you are not thought about and those life lessons are not put into action. You've taught me so much, Dad... I use that every day. Father's Day 2012, also the 12th Anniversary of you walking me down the aisle to marry John, the man that my whole family would grow to love as much as l do. Thanks for everything, Dad. You are missed more than anyone will ever know. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Love, Cindy

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband. Wish I could take a peek in just past Heaven's gate and see the family reunion and you. Are the Angel's singing Happy Birthday to you? I love you and miss you every day. And you were right, Papa. Molly IS good for me.

Happy Birthday Dad! We are remembering you today with lots of love and wonderful memories of birthday parties gone by. We would be celebrating your "20th" birthday today! I feel your presence and hear your voice, guiding me and watching over me. Don't know what I'd do without that! Miss you more and more each and every day. With Love and Deepest Respect, Cindy

Two years ago you left this earth to dwell in a better place. That day I lost my best friend, my soul mate, my rock. If my love could have saved you, you wouldn't have died. But your body was getting weaker and I had to let you go. Rest in Peace.........Always in my heart. Tillie (Molly misses you, too)

Remembering you today and every day, Dad. It's been two years since I gave you one last hug and whispered in your ear my special thoughts. We all miss you and love you. May you rest in peace and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Love, Cindy

Hi PaPa! It's Father's Day weekend! Lots of families celebrating with their Dads. I'm not sad, I'm celebrating with you too... I feel your presence, hear your voice and follow what you've already taught me... don't get me wrong,,, sometimes I still need lots of help and guidance.. that's when I really know you're there. I know you're proud of Mom. She's doing everything you'd want her to do, and even more. Take a look at the grass... it's okay, tho, it will grow back! ;-) Mom planted your sunflowers and your garden is beautiful! Thanks for helping! I know you are guiding her hands. Happy Father's Day Dad. I love and miss you so much. I'll never get used to you not being here, but it helps to know you're just a conversation away. Cindy

thinking/reflecting about you lots as we cope with P's dad's death. such luck that we were/are my grandpa.

Hey Bill, Spring is almost here. Our tulips are coming up but I remember what you always said. It still can frost in April. Last summer was not a good summer for me. You were not out there taking such good care of your garden, chasing those pesty white moths, running off those gophers or setting up all those sprinklers. I want to try and put a little garden out there this year. I'm even thinking of planting sunflower seeds. Can I grow them like you did? Probably not. Stand beside me and lend me a hand, okay? Dick's red truck may be dying. He bought a book on how to fix it. But I don't know....He may be calling on you to help him again. He has done it before and he knew you were there guiding him. I'm grateful that we enjoyed all those years of travel, making sweet memories. But still missing you so much. With all my love,Tillie xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

We all miss you Bill. Patrick

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!!! We miss you and LOVE YOU! April, Patrick, and even Lucy dog

Still miss you terribly, but smile as I think of you often. April

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

It's been a year already, but people who knew my Dad still think of him. Dad was the person who offered to help before you asked, shared without questioning, and made friends out of strangers. Our family thinks of Dad and loves him just as much as if he were still with us. In truth, he is with us still.

I love you and miss you terribly. Several astonishing things have happened to me this past year so I know you are right by my side, still taking care of me. That gives me comfort.

Dad, Today we are remembering you with lots of love and wonderful memories as we think back to one year ago when you raised your hands up as tho to say "I'm ready". We know you are with our family and friends who have gone before us. We find comfort in knowing that we will meet again. We know you are watching over us and we feel your presence all around us. Miss you Dad, more than words can say. Love, Cindy and John

We are honoring you, Dad, on this Father's Day weekend. We are remembering all the times you came to our rescue, helped us out whenever we needed it, thru so many situations. We just knew we could "call Dad.. he'll know"! We know you are still watching over us and guiding us. We feel your presence and we know you feel our love. Happy Father's Day Dad, Rest In Peace, Love, Cindy and John

Marilyn and family, Grandpa Bill was the most wonderful person to know and I loved him just like he was my Grandpa, I remember when we used to walk by the house and he would always be in the garage working with something!!! Expecially with Molly right by his side!!! Grandpa Bill is in our thoughts and prayers all the time. We Miss Him so Very Much and He will never Be Forgotten.

Happy Birthday Dad! Today we are celebrating you, the rock of our family, with Sunflowers galore, special thoughts and wonderful memories. You are always with us, watching over us and guiding us. We know today you are having a family reunion in the Holy Land. Until we meet again May God Keep You In The Palm Of His Hand. We Love and Miss You, Cindy and John

I love you and miss you every day. We have been blessed by a wonderful family who help me get thru some of my worst days without you. It brings me comfort to know that you are "walking on streets of gold". So to my dear husband, "I'll meet you in the morning".

We love you always and do not forgot.

My heatfelt thoughts and prayers are with you.

I can't believe you're not here. I miss you, Dad. love, Cathy

Dorothy and daugther Cathie send our condolence to Marilyn and the rest of the family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Bill.

I am sorry I will not be able to attend the funeral, but I want to offer my sympathy. He was a great man and I know you will all miss him so much, My Bill really thought a lot of him. Take care and remember all the good times Pat Hardesty (Bill Hardesty's widow)

Dear Cindy and Family, Please except my heartfelt sympathy in the death of your father.

PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR THE PASSING OF YOUR FATHER AND HUSBAND. IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO, PLEASE LET US KNOW.

We heard so many things about Bill, we felt like we knew a part of him. He is at peace and God is there for you all.

My deepest sympathy to you Sally and your family. Sorry about your loss. I will be thinking and praying for all of you.

Marilyn, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Beautiful video... Love, Kelly Tokoly-Rothermel

I will remember how comfortable I felt around Bill and how kind and accepting he was to both my husband and me when our son began seeing, and later married, Bill's granddaughter, April. I wish I had known him better... a gentle, sweet man, with a twinkle in his eye.

Cindy, Marilyn, and family, we would like to send our deepest sympathy during this time of your loss. Yall are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Bill very much.

There is no way to express my loving, caring, friendly, funny Dad. He loved us so much, and we loved him, and we expressed our feelings all through our lives. Dad, it is so hard to be without you, and yet I know your heart is with us, still. Love, Sally

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I along with my late husband, Bob have known Bill since early 1950,Marilyn has been my lifetime friend, she was maid of honor in my wedding, Bob & I were in their wedding.We traveled together, spent many hour with both of them, loved them like family.Bill was a great person, we always enjoyed our time with him, He was very family oriented, was precious to my Mother and family, living next door for years. He will be deeply missed he was loved, I am sure he will have a wonderful welcoming at the gates of Heaven, I have peace knowing Bob was one of the greeters and will continue to having great times in their hevenly Home, along with many other family members and friends, God has granted him his peace, may god be with his precious family here on earth.Love and prayers from Esther Grant & Family

Our hearts and prayers are you all. Bill was so good to Rodger and me. We will never forget him. Love, Rodger & Julie

I'll always remember your big smile and your big heart, Bill. You were called home too soon - but God must have been in need of a good fisherman in Heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Dear Marilyn and Family, My deepest condolences to you and the family. You and Bill were always good neighbors and friends to me and the kids. My prayers and thoughts are with you always. Love Angie

Dear Marilyn and girls....I am so sorry to hear about Bill. He was my Dad's working buddy and I remember him so well. Please accept my deepest condolences. I know it is a great loss of such a wonderful guy. Been many years since I lost my Dad, Joseph Keltz. Now they can talk over old times together. Much love and comforting hugs, Pam Keltz

Dear Burns Family, Our deepest condolences on your loss. May your memories bring you comfort during your time of mourning. Love, Amy & Ryan

Sitting and talking to Bill about hunting, fishing, and just 'living life,' those are the memories that I will carry with me. Bill made you feel at home with his first words. He easily welcomed us into his family and was one of the warmest kindest fellows that I have met. Patrick Toomey Jr.

Grandpa, you are missed today and now always. April

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.