William W. “Bill” Burkle, 79, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by his family on April 20, 2026. He was born July 4, 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Andrew and Helen (Peterson) Burkle. He married Mary Joy Romano on June 22, 1968 and she survives.
Bill was a graduate of John Marshall High School in Cleveland where he was a State Champion wrestler in 1964. He earned a scholarship to attend BGSU where he obtained his undergraduate and Master’s degrees and continued his wrestling career. Bill was the captain of the1966 BGSU MAC Championship wrestling team. He went on to teach at Bowling Green High School and Findlay High School where he coached both wrestling and baseball.
Bill purchased the Wooster Wine Shop in 1978 and owned it until 2024. He was a member of the Bowling Green Country Club. Bill was an athlete and enjoyed competing well into his adult life. He played adult softball, racquetball and golfed. He was an avid supporter of Bowling Green Youth Baseball from their start at the old Pee Wee Park to today at Carter Park. From sponsoring teams, coaching teams, umpiring and working the gate – Bill enjoyed spending time at the park and volunteering wherever help was needed.
Bill was kind and easygoing. In his retirement he enjoyed the time he spent as a crossing guard at Crim Elementary. There was nothing that brought Bill more joy than being Papa and spending time with his granddaughter’s Alexa and Emma. He was always present for their games and activities and got to enjoy numerous trips with them. He adored them both just as much as they adored him.
Along with his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary Joy, Bill is survived by his children David Burkle and Allison Thompson, granddaughters Alexa Thompson and Emma Thompson, brother Andrew (Edna) Burkle, sister Marilyn (John) Manzatt, brother-in-law Frank (Nancy) Romano and sister-in-law Geraldine (Jerry) McDonald.
A celebration of life gathering will be held on Friday April 24, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St.
Memorial contributions may be given in his memory to BG Youth Baseball at Carter Park, PO Box 208 Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
