William Lawrence Burkholder

William Lawrence Burkholder, born June 2, 2010, passed away peacefully at home in Topeka, Kansas, November 19, 2013, of complications from Zellweger Syndrome. He immeasurably enhanced the lives of his family and friends during his brief 3 years of life. William is survived by his parents Nathan and Kellye Burkholder; sisters, Kellan Burkholder and Lauren Brown; brother, Trevor Brown; grandparents, Daryl and Leslie Rutschmann; great-grandmothers, Vivian Denison and Maidene Rutschmann; and wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins. The support, friendship, love and kindness shared with William and his family throughout his short life was sustaining, appreciated and treasured. For everyone who held Will, smiled at him, played with him, comforted him, and made him feel so loved, we thank you. To those who offered generous support through meals, visits and other creative gifts of caring, we thank you. To those who supported Nathan and Kellye at work so they could maximize time with Will, we thank you. To TARC early childhood development program, for the special toys and assistive devices, we thank you. To MK Thompson, for helping Will be the best he could be and helping to enhance the quality of his short life, we thank you. To Grace Hospice staff for being there whenever we called, we thank you. To Steve Pontoski RN, Will’s angel on earth, for your calming presence, kindness, and always assuring that Will was as comfortable as possible, we thank you. To Dr. Parr and staff for all the extra time spent with Will, trying everything possible, and helping us understand that sometimes there is nothing else to be done, we thank you. William made a remarkable and lasting impact in the lives of those around him. He never walked, but he transported us to places of joy and delight. He never talked, but he smiled and touched our faces and calmed our fears. He never grew, but our spirits were enlarged by his delight in our presence. Length of life and development are no indication of importance. In that regard he danced, and grew, and thrived, and was of great stature. To honor Will, please chase fireflies on a warm summer’s night, catch snowflakes on your tongue, play in the rain, find at least one thing to be thankful for every day and hug your loved ones as often as possible. Family will greet friends from 12:30-2p.m. Saturday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, Kansas 66614. Service will be at 2p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mission Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to TARC Children’s Services sent in care of the funeral home.

William Lawrence Burkholder

June 2, 2010 - November 23, 2013