Obituary: William "Bill" P. Burns III

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

William "Bill" P. Burns III

William P. Burns III, 65, of Minooka, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Minooka. Bill was born on December 22, 1960, in Waltham, Massachusetts, to his parents, the late William P. Jr. and Sandra Burns. He grew up in Waltham and graduated from Waltham High School, carrying with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and service that would guide his life.

Bill dedicated much of his career to public service. He served with the Lemont Fire Department and later retired from the Troy Fire Department, reflecting his commitment to protecting others and supporting his community. For the past 13 years, he worked in optics as a machinist at Argonne National Laboratory, where his skill and reliability were highly regarded.

Outside of work, Bill found joy in time spent with those he loved. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his stepdaughter and her husband, traveling with his wife, and sharing wine tastings together. His involvement with The Forgotten Warrior Memorial in Channahon, an organization honoring veterans who served and sacrificed their lives as a result of PTSD, reflected his compassion and respect for those who served their country.

Bill is survived by his wife of 23 years, Karen (née Jankowski) Burns; his mother, Sandra Burns; his children, Shannon (Robert) Sharland, Stefanie (Christopher) Kelley, and Michael Burns; and his stepdaughter, Sarah (Bryan) Cheney. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren, Ella and Aidan Cheney, Cecilia and Owen Klecka, and Amelia Grace Kelley. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert (Christine) Burns, Elizabeth (Marc) Parent, Patrick Burns, Christine Burns, Dennis Burns, and Fred Rose; as well as his dear friend, Mike (Tracy) Witham. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also mourn his passing.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Klecka; and his father, William P. Burns, Jr.

A Memorial Gathering for William P. Burns, III will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to The Forgotten Warrior Memorial, would be appreciated.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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