Dearest Mary and Family,

I wish I had some magic words that would heal the pain and sorrow that you are no doubt feeling.  Uncle Mike (to me) was a force of nature, a spark in any conversation.  I am sure you all feel his absence deeply.  For as long as I can remember I thought Uncle Mike was the coolest guy I knew.  He had an easy unruffled way about him, and I always thought he was the coolest.  Anytime someone would say something about someone who was cool my brain instantly thought, "oh, like Uncle Mike."  He was always kind to me and generous with his laughter.  I was just a kid, but he always made me feel special.  He will be missed by so many.   

I send all my love to the whole family,

Melanie Snell

Who was Uncle Mike?

One summer when I was visiting the family in Forest Lake, a heavy afternoon storm rolled in and almost immediately knocked out the electricity.  Michael was working in St. Paul and, due to poor visibility and debris on the road, did not get home before dark.  We had power again by then, but much of the town did not.  Michael must have been exhausted, but he simply changed out of his work clothes and loaded the car with supplies.  He and Mary drove all around checking on friends and neighbors, an errand that would take until late that night.  For Uncle Mike it was family first, then friends and neighbors, and only then himself.  He was that guy.  

A few summers later, I was visiting Alma.  One evening, Mike and Mary were at their dinner table with guests, the parents of one of Tim’s swimming teammates.  Their son must have been bullied or teased recently, because later on, Michael took Tim and me aside and gently asked us, “You guys wouldn’t ever make fun of him, would you?”  At that moment, I knew Uncle Mike had everyone’s back.  He was that guy.

Like his father, Michael found his calling in his family.  He was one of those fortunate and rare people who was married to his best friend.  His marriage, his children and their families, and his Catholic faith were the foundation of his life and his greatest joys.  The secret of Michael’s success was, stick to the fundamentals and don’t look to the side.  We don’t see a lot of that these days.  It is one more reason to grieve his loss.  

Michael took care of the people in his life, both close and distant.  He was someone for whom God, family, and community were not just words or afterthoughts, but were in fact the only things that really mattered.  If I was ever inspired to help a neighbor, take the side of the defenseless, or be there for my family, it was in part due to my admiration for Michael, because he was that guy.  

And I already miss that guy.

Our sincerest sympathies.

Verna Smith; Ronnie & Becky Smith-Hatley and children, Elric Glover, Israel Hatley, Sidney Hatley, and Emily Hatley.

I grew up with Michael and his parents and most siblings when his family lived in Lemmon S.D.  My father, Eugene Frank Burdick was Mike’s oldest uncle,  an U.S. Army 1st  Lieutenant who was killed in action during the final days of WWll.  My mother, brother and I lived within walking distance from their home (Lemmon is small and everything was in walking distance from everything else) making for close contact between us while Glenn and Dorothy lived in Lemmon. 

Mike made me feel part of his family and looked after my brother and me many a time while always looking after his siblings.  I always appreciated his attentions - it helped me grow up. I believe he was the first of our Grandpa John’s grandchildren to visit my father’s grave at the American National cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands. He sent me materials from that visit and that encouraged my visit years later. 

Just like his father and grandfather before him, his great legacy is his large and loving family along with all those whose life he touched along the way. Well done good and faithful cousin. 

Please accept my sympathies for your loss and know others feel his loss to.  I’m sure his was a life well-lived. 
Gary Burdick, a first cousin

Uncle Mike was a man who always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. His presence brought joy and laughter wherever he went. My sister Melanie said it best—“Michael was the COOLEST guy she ever met.”  Whether he was pulling into our driveway on his motorcycle, heading to the Sturgis rally, or talking sports with my older brother, he had a way of making every moment feel special.

When I was a little girl, I remember him teasing my mom, dad, and older siblings. But what stands out the most is how he always took my side, pulling me into the fun and letting me be part of the joke. I soaked it up. He had a gift for teaching even the youngest among us how to find humor in life and share laughter with family and friends.

Michael was the king of one-liners. One of his most famous, a story I’ve heard since I was old enough to remember, took place on the night before my parents' wedding. A group of guys—wedding party friends, my mom’s brother, and Michael—scaled the side of my grandpa’s house, climbed onto the balcony, and knocked on the door. My dad was asleep in one room, and my mom was getting ready for bed when all these guys tried to “steal” my dad away on the eve of his wedding. My mom ran downstairs to get her father, and in the midst of the chaos, Michael knocked on the door and said, “Can Jimmy come out and play?” I can picture it like a scene straight out of a movie.

As I grew older, I came to realize that there was more to Michael than just humor, teasing, and joy. He was a godly man who set an example for his family—his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was so proud of them and all they were accomplishing. But what touched me most was his love for Mary. Every year, his Christmas card would arrive, filled with updates on their lives. In every word he wrote about her, his respect and admiration radiated. He loved to talk about everything Mary was involved in and the ways she contributed to her community. And when Uncle Mike spoke…

Mary, Our deepest sympathy, condolences and prayers are sent to you in this time of grief. May God hold you tight as you and your family deal with this great loss. with love, Donna & John Davis

My deepest condolences to Tim and the entire family. May your memories bring you peace and smiles.

Oh how our heart breaks for the Burdick family. Michael was such a blessing to his family. He lead his family in God's words n blessings. He was loved in his community and church family.
We are blessed knowing our son in law, daughter and grandchildren had such a wonderful man as an example to raise a family with God's word and love.
Thank you for being your funny self too, Michael.
 The Burdick family, and community has lost a wonderful man. Michael will be loved and remembered for being the wonderful person he was 🙏 
Love and Prayers to all
Libbye and Gary

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Michael John Burdick

9 juin 1940 – 13 février 2025

Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home

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