Cover photo for P. Eric Burtrum's Obituary
1953 Eric 2024

P. Eric Burtrum

January 26, 1953 — February 7, 2024

Battle Creek

P. Eric Burtrum, age 71 of Battle Creek died peacefully with his family at his side at home on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.    

Philip Eric Burtrum was born on January 26, 1953, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Richard Earl and Betty Marie (Sallee) Burtrum. He has been a Battle Creek resident most of his life and was a 1971 graduate of Lakeview High School. He attended Kellogg Community College and transferred to Central Michigan University (CMU). On his first day at CMU, he helped a fellow student and her father unload her luggage. They both earned their bachelor’s degrees and graduated Cum Laude from CMU. On October 9, 1976, Philip Eric Burtrum and Marilyn Jean Allen were married at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, Michigan.  

Eric retired from FedEx after 10 years in 2015. Prior to that he was employed in parking garage management which took him to St. Louis, MO.  Eric & Marilyn took a break before starting their family and travelled the Caribbean before returning to Battle Creek.  He was employed at Union Pump Company then RB & W Corporation in the field of finance.  Many years he was in sales, traveling on the road for several companies including Stackpole International, Kobelco and Hotset Corporation.  Eric was instrumental in the formulation of Burtrum Furs and Leathers, writing the business plan, and acting as Marilyn's accountant.

Surviving are his wife, Marilyn; a daughter, Jessica (Justin) Meyers of Livonia, MI, two sons, Brent (Catherine) Burtrum of Marshall, Matthew Burtrum of Battle Creek; three grandchildren, Nathaniel Meyers, Kierstin Burtrum and Eric Burtrum; two brothers, Ronald Burtrum of California and John Burtrum of Rotunda West, FL; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Eric was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Joyce Burtrum.  

Eric was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed working in the yard, and in 1999 was on the annual garden tour while living on Lynwood Drive.   Living on Goguac Lake, he loved remodeling his home and slalom skiing every morning he could.  Swimming was a lifelong love, swimming on the Lakeview High School swim team and many of the Goguac Lake swims.  Music was another passion and he played the trumpet all of his life, playing in High School, Interlochen, and later in a local rock & roll band, “The Edge”.  Ballroom dancing became an interest later in life which gave him much joy.   

Eric will be remembered as a family man; an eternal optimist, always with a smile on his face. 

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 16, 2024 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care where services to celebrate Eric’s life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024, with Rev. Christopher Ankley officiating.    The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed below or by visiting https://vimeo.com/event/4093402. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Memories of Eric may be shared or personal messages for Eric’s family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, February 16, 2024

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care

105 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017

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Celebration of Life

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care

105 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Livestream

Click to watch

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