Obituary for William R. Burks

William R. Burks, 81, of Cedar Rapids died Sunday, June 6, 2010 at Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids following a massive stroke. Private family inurnment will be held at St. John''s Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. The Cremation Society of Eastern-Central-Western Iowa is assisting the family. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Burks of Cedar Rapids; Children, Pat Baumgard of Cedar Rapids, Barb (Linn) Wiley of Shellsburg, Linda Thompson of Palo, Bill (Tamie Pohlman) Burks of Vinton; Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 2 nephews, 2 nieces and a sister-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Agnes and Ray Ehda, son-in-law, Paul Thompson, 7 sisters and a brother. William R. Burks was born March 26, 1929 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the son of Ward and Laura (O''Burk) Burks. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy. William was aboard U.S.S. Mt. Olympus and proudly served on the Byrd Expedition in Antarctic. On October 30, 1951 he married Patricia Ehda at St. Matthews Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. William worked at FMC Corporation until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, spending time with family, tinkering in his shed and enjoying leisure time on his front porch. He was a member of St. Patrick''s Catholic Church and the V.F.W. Post #788, Cedar Rapids. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and knew him. Online condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com.