Charles “Charlie” Edward Bursa, 82, of Coleman, passed away peacefully Sept. 17, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.
He was born to the late James and Sybila (Vizelka) Bursa on March 21, 1943, in Chicago. Charlie graduated with the Oconto Falls High School class of 1961. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1964-72, a time he always held dear.
Charlie met the love of his life, Nancy Toney, on July 4, and their relationship blossomed through letters. They were united in marriage Feb. 20, 1965, and spent 60 beautiful years together.
Charlie’s career was spent in manufacturing, starting at Electro-Motive Division of General Motors in Chicago, later moving to Appleton, and eventually settling in the Coleman area, where he called home.
A man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures, Charlie loved working in his machine shop, riding his tractor, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed picking berries and apples, baking, cooking and spending time with his family playing cribbage and Tripoly.
Charlie is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; three children, Kathryn (David Siegmund) Bursa, of Kewaunee, James (Rochelle) Bursa, of Oconto Falls, and John (Laura) Bursa, of Green Bay; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Agnes (Jerry) Wismer, of Broomfield, Colorado; two brothers; Robert (Rusty) Bursa, of Green Bay, and Allen (Kathy) Bursa, of Coleman. He is further survived by brother-in-law; Roger (Gwen) Toney of Delaware, Ohio, as well as nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Antoinette Toney and Robert Toney; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bonny (Ruben) Luna of Milwaukee.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated team at Green Bay Oncology, both the Green Bay and Oconto Falls locations. The family would also like to thank the compassionate staffs at St. Vincent’s Hospital, as well as Unity Hospice for their outstanding, care, kindness and support.
A heartfelt thank you to his beloved brothers, who stood by him through every step of his journey. Your unwavering love, strength and presence meant the world — not just to him, but to his family.
Family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, 438 W. Main St. Lena, WI 54139. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Father Ben Johnson officiating. Full military honors will take place following the service.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com.
