Gordon L. Burrie

Gordon "Gordie" Leo Burrie, a lifetime resident of Waukesha, walked into the light and peace of God's love and mercy surrounded by his family and friends in the evening of Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at the age of 78. Gordie was born and raised in Waukesha on the family farm, the son of Leo and Ruby Burrie. After graduating from Waukesha High School, he started at Waukesha Motor Works. Gordie was drafted in 1959 and served his country until 1962. After his honorable discharge from the army, he returned to his job at Waukesha Motor Works, and later retired in 1998 after 43 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapshooting, bowling, cards, vegetable and flower gardening. He so enjoyed his own special paradise on the land he owned in the Town of Waukesha where he had planted a tree farm which brought him such joy in his retirement years being in the great outdoors. Gordie was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited, the NRA, and the Waukesha Gun Club. Gordie is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Karen and his beloved son, Jeffery; his aunt, Peggy Burrie of San Diego; uncle, Don Kohls of Waukesha; sisters-in-law, Pauline (Richard) Swessel, Joyce (Ronald) Cottier; brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Marie) Cieslak, Dennis (Sue) Cieslak, and Al (Bonnie) Cieslak; and his 4 legged pals, Abby and Mitzie. Gordie is further survived by a special nephew Brian Swessel, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, many dear friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ruby (Bourn) Burrie, his grandparents, Henry and Mary Bourn and Edward and Amanda Burrie. Further preceded by his uncles, Harry Bourn and Edward Burrie Jr. and his aunt, Genevieve Kohls. The visitation for Gordie will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the 12:00 p.m. Memorial Celebration at First United Methodist Church, 121 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186. Rev. Dan Schwerin will officiate. A private entombment will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gordie's memory are appreciated to First United Methodist Church (see address above), the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS), 701 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI 53188 or Ducks Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited Attn. Milwaukee DU WI-12, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120 .