Dennis Bursch 01/11/2011

Dennis William Bursch, age 78 and lifelong resident of Somerset, WI, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at Westfield’s Hospital surrounded by his family.  Dennis was born the son of Henry and Millie (Meinke) Bursch on April 29, 1932 on the farm in rural Somerset.  He graduated from Somerset High School and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.  On September 6, 1958, he married Nancy Shay at Zion Lutheran Church in East Farmington, Wisconsin.  Dennis worked for Andersen Windows for 38 years and was a foreman in the carpenter shop.  He played softball, coached little league, and raised four wonderful children in the house that he built on the river.  He enjoyed pulling the kids waterskiing, playing cribbage with friends, gardening and woodworking.  Dennis was a detail oriented perfectionist, who was loving and encouraging.  His presence could fill up any room.  His wife and family were his passion.  He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post 111 in Somerset.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Millie Bursch; granddaughter, Andrea McCance; and siblings, Harvey Bursch, LaVerne Gosso, and Floyd Bursch.  Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Bursch; children, Kim (Tom) White, Kristen (Steven) Silbernagel, Bruce (Dee Christensen) Bursch, and Pam (Vince Harrington) Bursch; grandchildren, Rachel (Nate) Warner, Jacob (Allie Belisle) Silbernagel, Derek Silbernagel, Michael Wedig, and Nicole Wedig; great-granddaughters, Rhea and Melia Warner; sister, Lottie (Bill) Fatheree; and many nieces, nephews and friends.  A Memorial Service was held Friday, January 14, 2011 at 1 pm at Christ Lutheran Church in Somerset.  Memorial visitation was also held on Friday from 11am-1pm at the church.  Spring Interment will be in Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Somerset.  Memorials may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church.  Arrangements were with Bakken-Young’s Beebe Mortuary of New Richmond.