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Home ›Michael Robert “Burls” Burley – Pickerel Lake, MN

Michael Robert Burley “Burls,” passed away peacefully in his sleep at his happy place the cabin Friday, January 24, 2025 at the age of 74. Born April 14, 1950 in Buffalo, New York, Mike lived a life full of compassion, friendship, and joy. Mike is survived by his wife, Stephanie; and his children, Bryan Burley (Tanya) with grandchildren, Harper and Sydney; Brittany Finch (Josh) with grandchildren, Miles and Savannah; and Christina Lill (Ryan) with grandchildren, Gabriel, Jon-ah and Ezekiel. He will be greatly missed by his siblings, Bridget Stangl (Jim), Brian Burley (Suzette), Brad Burley (Teresa), Marty Burley, Matt Burley (Cathy) and Rob Burley; along with brothers-in-law, nieces, ne-phews, cousins and many cherished friends. A man of energy and ambition, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit began with his childhood paper route and culminated in the founding of Burley Foods, where he built strong friendships that lasted decades. A proud member of the National Guard, Mike valued and cherished his lifelong connections with his Chi Psi brothers at the University of Minnesota. Mike had a deep love of basketball and showcased his talent as a member of Edina High School’s 1967-68 State Championship team. He later served as President of The Golden Dunkers and was an ardent supporter of Gopher Men’s Basketball. Coaching his children’s teams and cheering on his grandchildren brought him joy—basketball was truly in his blood. Mike loved the lake. Whether at Balsam Lake or Pickerel Lake, he was the first to take a dip in the spring and the last one out of the water in the fall. His dips—marked by his iconic “seal” calls—became a be-loved tradition. Emerging from the water, he would always proclaim, “I’m a new man”. Mike lived life fully and embraced the small joys such as calling “his people” every morning or eating out (any day that included a good plate of spaghetti was “the best”). He was great at giving fatherly advice and offered it to many, whether you were his child or not. The waterskiing lessons, the Gator rides or Blackjack at the kitchen table. He knew fun Mike was a compassionate man. He was a kind man. He was a good husband. He was an amazing father and grandfather. He was a good friend to many. He danced better than he drove. He was a romantic. Mike found peace and comfort in his faith and knew that one day he would be united with Christ. Mike is now truly “a new man.” Preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy and his parents, Bob and Gwen. Funeral Service was Friday, January 31 at 11 a.m. and reception followed at St. Stephen Lutheran Church. Visitation was Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 5801 Lyndale Ave S., Minneapolis, 55419 Blessed be the memory of Mike. Glende-Nilson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Battle Lake was in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made online at www.GlendeNils on.com.