He was born in Lincoln in 1962 to Vern and Sharon Burling, graduated from Lincoln East. Mike worked as a painter and tile layer before beginning his career of 28 years at the Lincoln Telephone Company (Windstream) where he retired in 2022.
Mike is survived by wife Deborah (Deb), Sons Jacob (Rachel) Burling and Rhett Burling, Lincoln, NE, Grandchildren Vanessa, Oliver and Hazel Burling, Lincoln, NE, Mother Sharon Burling, Peoria, AZ, Sister Ann (Robert) Rentfro, Peoria, AZ. Stepmother Patricia (Vern) Burling, Lincoln, NE, Brother Steve (Mina) Watkins, Norwal, IA, Sisters Beth McCabe, Mary (Allen) Nelson, Omaha, NE, Father figure Larry Field, Ponca City, OK. Sister-in-laws Patrica Bailey and Cathy Woerth. Many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Father Vern (Patricia) Burling, niece Elizabeth Rentfro and nephew Adam McCabe.
Mike was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather. He took great pride in being a parent and grandparent especially in coaching baseball and basketball to his sons Jake and Rhett. He loved to see his granddaughter Vanessa in the plays at school and the Lincoln Community Playhouse. Watching Oliver and Hazel play in the backyard.
Mike was a caring and loyal friend to many; he considered his closest friends as family. He loved to attend horse races and golf with his friends and family. Mike’s caring and generosity continues as he has chosen to donate his body to research.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516). In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, Autism Society, or the Capital Human Society.
Link to Service Recording: https://vimeo.com/1121620766/c5de9ea94a?share=copy