William R. Burdick

William “Bill” R. Burdick (Farmbag), 83, passed away peacefully April 29, 2026 surrounded by family at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Appleton, WI.

Bill was a farmer most of his life on his family farm, established in 1844. Bill graduated from Ripon High School in 1960 and went on to become the 7th generation to farm the family land. Bill’s hobbies included hunting, playing bar-league softball, watching his grandchildren grow up, playing cards, and summer campfires with family.

During his well-lived life, Bill could be found at a softball diamond, card table, campfire, farm field, or deer shack. Always surrounded by family or friends, Bill could always think of something witty to say, putting a smile on everyone’s face. Bill was never bored, keeping the family farm well-groomed and ready for family outings. He passed the hunting torch to his grandchildren and they have taken every opportunity to make their grandpa proud out in the deer stand. As a true patriarch, he built a lasting legacy rooted in love, family, hard work, and a hell of a good time.

Bill is survived by the love of his life, wife of 56 years, Barbara Burdick; four children, Beth (Todd Shinkunas) Burdick, Brent (Lisa) Burdick, Brenda (Shamus) Busha, Brad (Becky) Burdick. The seven people who brought him the most joy in the world, his grandchildren, Grace (fianceé, Alexander Novak) Burdick, Abigail Busha, Cole (partner Rachel Glander) Burdick, Madelyn Busha, Kade Burdick, Emerson Busha, and Karsen Burdick. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Adeline and Shadrach “Ted” Burdick and brother, James “JB” Burdick.

We’ll keep the whiskey flowing, cards shuffled, and deer shack warm for you. We love you dad, grandpa, Bill, Willie, Farmbag…

Visitation for Bill will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971. Private interment for immediate family will follow at Green Lake Center Cemetery, Town of Green Lake, WI.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Walker’s Bar & Grill, N4503 CR-K, Ripon, WI 54971. A memorial is being established in his name.