William Francis "Billy" Burke, age 48, of 118 E. Onota Street, Munising, Michigan, died unexpectedly of heart complications on Sunday, February 1, 2009 at his home.

He was born on November 15, 1960 in Marquette, Michigan, to Joseph and Jeanie (Drake) Burke.

Billy graduated from William G. Mather High School in 1979, where he had played on the football team. He went to work for Hub's Super Valu soon after graduation and was a dedicated employee until the end of 2000, just before Hub's closed. Billy spent a couple of summers managing the Pictured Rocks Golf Course before going to work at NAPA Auto Parts in 2002.

He was a member of the Munising Lions Club, Charter Member and Treasurer of the Alger County Fish and Game Alliance, Past Secretary of the Board of Directors of Pictured Rocks Golf Course, Secretary and member of the Thursday night men's golf league, and a member of Munising's Volunteer Fire Department from 1997-2009. Billy loved being a fireman and will be missed by the community driving the fire truck in the 4th of July parade. He enjoyed being outdoors and spending time bird hunting and fishing with his dear friend, Paddy Malone, and spending time at Dale's Deer Hunting Camp. Billy enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, snow plowing, watching NASCAR, and above all... ..agitating.

He is survived by his mother - Jeanie Burke of Munising; sister - Jeanne Lake of Caspian, Michigan; brother and sister-in-law - Kevin "Bubba" and Wendy Burke of Munising; nephew - Jeremy Lake; nieces - Erica and Erin Lake; great-nephew - Jared Lake; and aunts and uncles - Toddie Tweedale, Tony (Paulette) Drake, Ella (Jerry) Burness, Marie (Frank) Broda, and Ruth Courter; and numerous generations of cousins.

Billy was preceded in death by his dad, Joe Burke, in 1992.

Visitation held at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. A prayer service and time for sharing of stories and memories at 7:00 p.m. Father Chris Gardiner conducted Bill's funeral service on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home's chapel. Interment at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Spring 2009.