William Rudolph Burkman

William R. Burkman, 107, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2013. He was born on the family farm at 9578 N. Second Street, Roscoe, Illinois, the son of Amil and Hulda Burkman. Lived all of his life in the Roscoe and Loves Park area. Proud graduate of Harlem Consolidated High School, class of 1924. Married Genevieve E. Brick, October 9, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois; she died April 20, 1990. Bill formed an insurance and real estate partnership with Willard W. Hough in 1946, known as the Hough and Burkman Agency, and later as the W.R. Burkman Agency until his retirement in 1971. He was a long time member of Roscoe United Methodist Church and was active in its Men's Group and Head Usher for 30 years. and was a Charter Member of the Loves Park Lions Club. Bill was proud of his relationship with the Harlem School District. He was the first president of the Harlem Alumni Association in 1994 and was one of six original alumni to form the Harlemites, a group of approximately 200 Harlem alumni who meet for monthly breakfasts and fellowship. Bill loved sports and was a member of Harlem's first football team. He cheered on the Cubs for over 75 years.

Survivors include his son, William; grandsons, Douglas, Kenneth, and Bryan Burkman; four great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter; half brother, Roger Burkman (Darlene) and numerous cousins, step nephews and nieces. He is also survived by very close family friends, Susan (John) Gustafson and Neil Cahill (Deb) and their families.

Predeceased by wife, Genevieve and baby daughter, Jill.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Craig Rogers and the staff at Wesley Willows for their very kind and compassionate care of Bill.

Bill's word was his bond, and his handshake, his contract. His honesty, and integrity, along with his countless friends, will be his lasting legacy.

Services were held Monday, July 22, 2013 at Roscoe United Methodist Church.

Burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, Winnebago County, IL.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harlem High School Scholarship Foundation, Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund, or Roscoe Methodist Church Trustees.

Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd. 401 River Lane Loves Park, Illinois 61111, assisted the family.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Dec 18 2018, 11:32:10 UTC