Gerald "Jerry" Burling passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2023 at the age of 88 after a long battle with COPD and dementia. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn "Marcy" (nee Oien) as well as his children, Stan (Pam Sailer) and Nancy (Nick) Kouba; grandchildren Paige (Matt Martino) and Alex Burling, Cameron and Carson Kouba, and great-grandchildren, Magnus and Oleksi Martino.

Jerry graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn, MI in 1952. He began working at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company (MichCon) before joining the Army in 1955. While he was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington he met Marcy Oien. They fell in love, got married in Grenora, ND on March 23, 1957, and settled in Dearborn, MI where Jerry returned to MichCon and worked in the drafting department. While working full time, he attended night school and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business in 1971. Jerry and his family lived on Lafayette St. in Dearborn Heights, MI from 1960-1982 where they made many life-long friends.

Jerry and his family moved to Beulah, ND in 1982 where he was an integral part in the construction of the Great Plains Gasification Plant (later known as the Dakota Gasification Company 'DGC'). During their years in Beulah, Jerry was an active member in the community. This included serving as the president of the local golf course and being a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

After the family moved back to Dearborn Hts., MI in 1989, Jerry continued his work in the energy/gas industry before retiring from American Natural Resources (ANR) in 1996 after a career that spanned 40 years. In 1996, he and Marcy moved back to North Dakota and settled in Williston. For 17 years, Jerry supported the community and volunteered at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, UMM Bible Camp, and Mercy Hospital as well as spent time with and entertained friends and family at their lake place at White Earth Bay, ND. Jerry and Marcy returned to Michigan in 2013 and lived in Canton.

Jerry lived life to the fullest. Through the years, he played football, softball, and hockey, golfed, fished, curled, played cards, wood worked, and more. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, family, and friends. He was always the first to lend a hand to those in need.

A Memorial Gathering for Mr. Burling will be held Saturday, April 29th beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the time of his Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/ or the charity of your choice. Jerry's remains will be laid to rest at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, MI.