William “Bill” A. Burling

William A. (“Bill”) Burling, age 78, passed away at his home in Kenosha, Wisconsin on October 5, 2026. 

Born on December 8,1947 in Postville, Iowa to Robert H. and Merna A. Burling, Bill graduated from Postville High School in 1966. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State in 1970, and a Master’s Degree from Columbia in 1973, both in Electrical Engineering.  Thereafter, he served in the United States Army for two years as a computer systems analyst in the Pentagon. Then, he worked for over 20 years as a defense and computer systems engineer for Bell Laboratories, first in Whippany, New Jersey, and later in Naperville, Illinois. 

Bill relocated to Kenosha upon taking early retirement from Bell Labs. His “retirement” quickly transformed into work as a union journeyman electrician, which he undertook for many years before surrendering to a more complete retirement.  

A devoted life partner to Rochelle (“Shelley”) Osborne, Bill enjoyed travel, hanging with his dog and best buddy Titan, gardening and landscaping, supporting Wisconsin college and professional sports teams, and tinkering with all things automotive or mechanical. He was heavily involved in volunteer work for Comprehensive Systems, a Northern Iowa service provider for intellectually disabled individuals, which served his younger brother Richard  for many years. Bill was well known to all for his generosity, kindness, and humor. 

Bill is survived by Shelley, his brother Jim and sister-in-law Peggy, and his nieces/nephews Hannah, Amy, Zack and Nick, all of whom will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Richard. 

Friends and family are planning a Celebration of Life for Bill in Kenosha. Memorial gifts may be sent to: Burling House, Comprehensive Systems, Inc., Charles City, IA 50616.

Casey Family Options Funeral & Cremations

3016 75^th Street Kenosha WI 53142

262-653-0667

www.caseyfamilyoptions.com