Denise Lyn Burk

Denise Lyn Burk, a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, who left this world on January 14, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan, at the age of 71. Denise was born on July 22, 1954, in Howell, Michigan, to her beloved parents, Don and Jean Turner.

Denise was a graduate of Fowlerville High School, class of 1973. Throughout her career, she worked as a pricing clerk at Meijer in Okemos for 13 years and worked at Perani’s Hockey Shop.

Known for her kind heart and selfless nature, Denise was a woman of quiet strength and warmth. She was often described as stubborn but possessed a gentle soul that drew people to her. Denise was a loving and devoted mother to her children, Kimberly Barkholz and Brian Burk. She was a proud grandmother, known affectionately as "Grandma Boing-Boing" by her grandchildren, Grant and Ashlyn Payer, due to her bouncy hair. Denise cherished her role as a grandmother, frequently sharing stories about her grandchildren, and adored watching Ashlyn dance and Grant play soccer. An avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions, Denise proudly called herself a “hockey mom” during Brian’s active years in hockey.

Denise’s family meant everything to her. She is survived by her daughter Kimberly (Kevin) Barkholz, her grandchildren, Grant and Ashlyn Payer and her loving siblings: sister Cecelia (Randy) Ebert, brother David Turner, sister Donna (Gordon) Vorce, twin sister Doreen (Al) Smith, sister Laurie (Dennis) Lynch, and brother Scott (Annette) Turner. She will also be missed by her loyal dog, Sparky, and Doreen's cat, Lulu, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Denise was preceded in death by her cherished son, Brian Burk, who passed in a car accident in 1996, a loss that forever changed her. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Cara Stiffler and Shelia Skutt, brother-in-law Sonny Skutt, and sister-in-law Jane Turner.

In her final days, Denise received excellent care and compassion at The Willows of Okemos. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the support she received there.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/spaheasys/. Donations can also be made to the family at the funeral home.

A visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, located at 205 East Middle Street, Williamston, MI 48895, on January 17, 2026, from 1 pm to 2 pm. A memorial service will immediately follow on site at 2 pm.

In the spring, Denise’s ashes will be buried next to her son at Evergreen Cemetery in Grand Blanc, Michigan.