William "Bill" Michael Burke

William “Bill” Michael Burke, age 87, of Traverse City passed away at his home on February 8, 2024 surrounded by his family. Bill was born on April 15, 1936, in Chicago, IL to the late William and Mary (Nelson) Burke. He met Sue on a Caribbean vacation and they married the following year. On June 29, 1968, in Cincinnati, Ohio they started a journey that lasted 55 years. As a young man Bill joined the Fisher Body Division GMC Chicago Stamping Plant Staff as a Junior Systems Analyst. Initially he was responsible for payroll then Bill stepped into the System Development of Manufacturing and Production Scheduling. The Army called and after Basic Training he was deployed to Atlanta 5th Army Management as a Specialist 5 Systems Analyst. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to General Motors. Later he moved on to Fisher Body Headquarters in Warren, Michigan where he eventually became Architect and Manager of the Fisher Body Manufacturing System. He was subsequently sent by Electronic Data Systems (EDS) to General Motors Spain and General Motors Ireland to install Enterprise Manufacturing Systems. He retired in 1996 after 40 years with General Motors and EDS and moved up north to Traverse City with Sue. In his spare time, he was passionate about traveling, dinners with friends and neighbors, going to the Symphony, and listening to classical music while taking in the view of East Bay from his home. He found great pleasure in mentoring high school students at the Engineering Academy. Each spring, he canvassed all the local garden stores for flats of annuals which he placed around his home. He was especially happy when his quiet life was upended by visits from his children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter. He leaves a legacy of love, wisdom and memories that will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Sue, his children; Mark (Sheila Hagler-Burke) Burke of Plano, TX, Kevin (Dani) Burke of Holland, MI, Ann Burke (Micah Sjoblom) of Oak Park, IL; grandchildren, Landen Hagler, Avery (Michael) Thomas, Mackenzie Burke, Sydney Burke, Marina Burke Sjoblom, Aidan Burke Sjoblom; great granddaughter Wesleigh Thomas, his sister Patricia (John) Licatesi; lifelong friend and neighbor Al Jordan, along with other loving family members and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Martha Tressler and Tom Burke. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with a visitation held one hour prior. Father Ben Rexroat will officiate. If you wish to view the Mass online please visit www.stjosephtc.org. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Michigan. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

William "Bill" Michael Burke

April 15, 1936 - February 8, 2024