William “Bill” D. Burwell, 78, of Fargo, ND and formerly of Grand Forks, ND passed away, Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Sanford Health in Fargo.
William “Bill” Dale Burwell was born in Grand Forks, ND the son of Raymond and Maybelle (LeMoine) on April 13, 1946. He was a student at St. James High School class of 1964, where he played football. Bill met his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Hettwer, in Grand Forks while they were in graduate school at the University of North Dakota working on their master’s degrees in education in 1969. They were married on June 6, 1970 at St. Michael’s in Grand Forks, ND. Following graduation Bill accepted his first teaching position in Crookston, MN with elementary students. After they were married, Bill and his wife moved to West Bend, WI where he taught both elementary and middle school students. He also coached junior high and high school students in football, wrestling and track. While teaching, Bill obtained his administrative certification in education. In 1982, he began his first position as an administrator in Fargo, ND. He served as an elementary school principal in Fargo, ND; Wabasha, MN; Rushford, MN; LaCrosse, WI; Perham, MN and Bemidji, MN. He was the elementary school administrator/principal for 17 years at Horace May Elementary School in Bemidji, MN where he ended his administrative career. He led the school with many achievement awards over the years. Bill was well loved by students and staff. His motto was “What is best for the child/student” as his love for children and education with supportive, encouraging, kind leadership was his life’s work and passion. He was fun and funny though also firmly advocated for his students and staff, dedicated in his personable approach with leadership in his role while principal. He enjoyed being “Super Reader” for the elementary students where he dressed in a superman costume, cape included, which was always a big hit with the kids! Bill and a few of his teachers formed a band at Horace May where they played at school events and for the kids/staff at times. He was the drummer and so enjoyed it. They had a lot of fun, great friendships and lasting memories. He retired in 2010. He and his wife then moved to Grand Forks, ND where they lived for 7 years, then in Fargo, ND 7 years until his passing.
Bill was a charismatic person with a great sense of humor. He was a dedicated Vikings fan for over 50 years and enjoyed attending and watching sports on TV. He was passionate about his Catholic faith and enjoyed going to church and praying the rosary. He enjoyed the outdoors, yardwork, and spending time with his family which included the newest member, his great-granddaughter. Bill also had a great love for music so 50s and 60s rock-n-roll was played on a daily basis! Bill also loved corvettes and owned several during his life. He was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Bill was a wonderful and courageous advocate for others.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Kathy; children, a daughter, Renee Sandvik (Burwell) and a son, Jeremy Burwell; grandchildren ,a granddaughter, Emily Cortes (Sandvik) and son-in-law, Jonathan Cortes, and a grandson, Jack Sandvik; a great-granddaughter, Kelly Cortes; a brother, Gary (Sandy) Burwell; and a niece, Gretchen (Nick) Sandberg; and a sister-in-law, Denise (Tom) Burwell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Michael and Thomas Burwell and grandson, Max Burwell.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Tuesday.
Interment: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.
The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com.
(The Historic Norman Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND.)