Willis Walter Burgess, Jr., died peacefully on July 27, 2017, in Park Ridge, IL at the age of 90.

Willis is survived by his children, Jill (Bob) Engmark, Jeanne (Charlie) Wideburg, Jeff (Anne) Burgess and Jody (Al) Pearson; nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, brother Bruce Burgess and sister Diana Sheffer, ten nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of almost fifty years, Dorothy Jean Burgess (nee Holm). (He regretted that they never quite made it to fifty).

Will was born on September 22, 1926 in Oak Park, IL to Dorothy Kirchhoff Burgess and Willis Walter Burgess, Sr.  He graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1942, where he played on the baseball team, was senior-class president, and sports editor of the newspaper. Willis joined the Navy as World War II was ending, and served as part of the occupation of Japan for two years.  He finished his education using the GI bill, graduating with a masters degree in mathematics from Northwestern University.  In 1950, he was hired by the Actuarial Department of Bankers Life and Casualty Insurance, where he remained for thirty-five years. Willis continued to be promoted, rising to the level of Actuarial Vice-President, also serving as President of the Chicago Actuarial Association.

He met the love of his life, Dorothy Holm, at a church dance in 1947.  They were married in 1951. The family lived in Chicago until 1964, when they moved to Park Ridge. Will was a doting husband to Dorothy, who had severe health issues. Dorothy was a well-known Chicago area artist, who died nineteen years ago.

All who knew Willis remember him as a social, witty, fun guy with a great sense of humor and eternal optimism. He loved music of all kinds, reading history books, and watching sports and movies. Willis remained a lifelong learner throughout his life

Will Burgess loved exploring Chicago and eating at its bounty of restaurants. Italian beef and Chicago hot dogs were two of his favorites. He was proud of his Chicago heritage and loved the Cubs. Will was also very dedicated to the Park Ridge Community Church where he sang in the choir for years. Willis Walter Burgess, Jr. will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 2, at 11 a.m. at Park Ridge Community Church, 100 Courtland Avenue, Park Ridge, IL.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Will Burgess' memory are appreciated to the Steinmetz Alumni Association, 3030 N. Mobile, Chicago, IL 60634.