William “Bill” Jerome Bukur, 81, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, February 19, 2024, in Spearfish, South Dakota with family by his side.
Bill was born on October 19, 1942, to Eli and Marie (Tirilis) Bukur in Gary, Indiana. He graduated from Tolleston High School in Gary in 1961.
Bill worked at US Steel in Gary as a Millwright after high school. He went on to open and operate Roosevelt Grill in Gary. While on a fishing trip in Wisconsin, he met the love of his life and best friend, Shirley Kestly-Bukur. They were united in marriage on March 26, 1983, and later that year they opened “Bill & Shirley’s Riverview Resort” in Fremont, Wisconsin. They operated their business until they retired to Phoenix, Arizona. Bill moved to Spearfish, South Dakota to be closer to family in 2014.
He had a passion for travel, vacationing and being around other people. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, football and spending time with his family reminiscing and telling stories.
Grateful for having shared his life are his sister, Loretta (Pajor) Collins of Belle Fourche, South Dakota; sister, Joanne and William “Bill” Nawrocki of Crown Point, Indiana; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Kestly-Bukur; father, Eli Bukur; mother, Marie “Tirilis” Bukur; and his brother, Richard Bukur.
A private memorial service was held at St. Paul Catholic Church in Belle Fourche, South Dakota on February 23, 2024. A special thank you to the staff of Heartland Home Health and Hospice who helped care for Bill in his time of need. Their compassion, care and understanding brought the family great comfort.
You may sign his online guestbook at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.
