William Robert Burkus, age 91, of South Bend, IN passed away April 22, 2023 at home. A life resident of the area, he was born October 29, 1931 in South Bend, IN to the late Alex and Dorothy (Ray) Burkus. William was a proud US Army Veteran of the Korean War and retired from Uniroyal after years of dedication to the labor force there. Preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 70 years, Leona (DeWeirdt) Burkus and three granddaughters; Kelly Anderson, Amy Ernsberger and Holly Ernsberger. William is survived by sons; Phil and Kevin (Andria) Burkus, daughters; Janice (Ken) Ernsberger, Julie (John) Van Laere, Nancy (Tom) Meyer and Linda (Don) Curl as well as fifteen grandchildren and twenty two great grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.