William Edward Bursack

William E. Bursack August 12, 1938 -- November 2, 2022, Age 84 years William Edward Bursack, "Bill" was born August 12, 1938, the second of four children to Dr. Milton A. Bursack and Alice (Warne) Bursack of Fargo, North Dakota. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of childhood life in what was then a small town. An "old soul" from the start, Bill met many of his forever friends in his youth and loved chess, ice-skating, cars, music, and what we now call "technology". He was a 1956 graduate of Central High School in Fargo, and a 1960 graduate of North Dakota State University, a proud Bison. Bill remained loyal to those passions, those friendships, and the Fargo community all of his life. Bill was drafted into the United States Army in 1961 and performed the majority of his service on the Gulf base in New Orleans, working, among other things, as a film projectionist and payroll clerk. Though a lifelong pacifist, he had a strong sense of duty and he did enjoy seeing new places, meeting new people, and serving others. He was a tireless worker with a perfectionist streak. After his service, Bill eventually moved to the Twin Cities to pursue a career and be closer to his older sister. He worked in electronic design for 3M and Newark Electronics for many years and holds a number of patents. He built and rebuilt electrical components, musical instruments, computers and cars from the ground up, always wanting to know how things worked, and how to improve them. He met his one true love, his wife of 52 years, Eleanor (DeBoer) Bursack of Pease, Minnesota on a blind date set up by their lifelong best friends in 1969. She was brave enough to jump into the unknown (they were very different) and they married on October 17, 1970 and had two daughters, Barbara and Elizabeth. He was a dedicated and loving family man. Bill was a friendly and curious introvert. A quiet person who marched to the beat of his own drum, he also deeply loved people. Never quite cut out for the corporate world, in retirement he took great pride in being a most patient math tutor, handyman, auto mechanic, electrician, musician, writer, and carpenter. A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he taught the kids to play chess, encouraged them to play music, and expected them to continually seek knowledge. He was a voracious reader and loved games, especially Scrabble, crossword puzzles, classic movies, and current affairs. Following in the footsteps of his musical parents, Bill participated in many church and community choirs and ensembles over the years. He was a member of the Apollo Men's Chorus, and a baritone in the Macalester Festival Chorale Chorus. He sang in the Salem Covenant Church choir and played many musical instruments. His primary instruments were piano, string bass, violin, and flute. He played violin in the Mississippi Valley Orchestra for many years, and enjoyed being a member of the St. Anthony Civic Orchestra for decades. Bill possessed a sharp, dry wit that was tremendously appreciated by friends and family. He was the go-to person if anyone needed a listening ear, or something fixed, and his subtle humor would emerge just when it was most needed. He was a loyal friend for life, a committed partner, and a brilliant, but humble man whose quiet impact will be felt forever. He will be deeply missed. Bill was preceded in death by many dear family and friends, including siblings Lois and John. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; daughters, Barbara (Mike LeRoux), and Elizabeth (Steve Benoit); his brother Chuck (Nancy Ericson); five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Darlene (Krengel); many family members and the friends who were family to him. Private family service at a later date. The family wishes to acknowledge special gratitude to the North Memorial Hospice Care Team.

Tributes

William Edward Bursack

August 12, 1938 - November 2, 2022

Tributes

William Edward Bursack

August 12, 1938 - November 2, 2022

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