William Francis Burns

William Francis Burns, 84 years old of Lake Villa, IL passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. He was born in Wellsville, NY on September 6, 1938, to the late Francis and Ruth Burns. Bill was married to his wife Betty for 64 years. Betty was Bill's first date. They attended the junior prom together. Later, Bill began a 30 year career at Abbott Medical and started his own computer company as a challenge. He was active in sports his entire life, including wrestling at his beloved Notre Dame and managing the Boston Red Sox minor league level A team. He also expanded the Waukegan Youth Boxing Club and became a national level judge for boxing. Later years involved golfing with friends. Bill managed to play golf in all 50 states and several foreign countries. He enjoyed sailing in the Chicago to Mackinac races and crewing sailboats across the Atlantic Ocean. Starting with the 1968 Mexico Olympics, Bill and Betty traveled to over 53 countries, many of them more than once. Bill enjoyed planning the trips as much as actually traveling. After retiring from his computer company, Bill filled his days with volunteering at Prince of Peace Church. He also helped on many local, state, and national political campaigns. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Teresa (Dennis) Bunsen, sisters Patricia Wilson and Marilyn Adams. Bill is survived by his wife Betty; daughters Roxanne (Tracy) Vatter, Karen Burns and Lilynn (Paul) Kattner; grandchildren Savannah Vatter, Jacob Vatter, Steven Peklay (Priscilla Kersey), Christopher Peklay (Zach McHardy), Kaelen Kattner, Joshua (Nicole) Kattner, Emily Kattner an Erin (Eric) Taylor; 5 great grandchildren; son-in-law Dennis Bunsen and sister Barbara (David) Carter. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at RInga Funeral Home 122 S. Milwaukee Ave. Lake Villa, IL . Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church on Thursday, March 30, 2023, for mass at 10:00 am at Prince of Peace Church 135 S. Milwaukee Ave. Lake Villa, IL. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to Lake Villa Historical Society 223 Lake Ave, Lake Villa, IL 60046; Lake Villa Township Lions Club P.O. Box 441, Lake Villa, IL 60046 or Prince of Peace Church 135 S. Milwaukee Ave. Lake Villa, IL 60046 would be appreciated.

William Francis Burns

September 6, 1938 - March 21, 2023

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