William Burse, 78, co-founder of the Gillett Building Supply and Lumber Co., died at 8:15 a.m. today at his home here. He had retired 10 years ago and had suffered a lingering illness for the past two years.

He was born May 21, 1878, in Germany and came to the United States with his parents when he was five years old. The family settled in Algoma and he moved to Gillett more than 50 years ago. He and Chris Anderson were partners in operation of the business.

Survivors are his wife, the former Annie Ruege; five step children, Miss Evelyn Luebke, Green Bay; Mrs. Paul (Grace) Widbrook, Peoria, Ill. ; Mrs. Lloyd (Ruth) Pospel, Clintonville; and William and Carl Luebke, at home; and several nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in St. John Lutheran Church here with the Rev. R. C. Stuvenvoll officiating. Burial will be in Wanderers Rest Cemetery here.

Friends may call at the Kuehl Funeral Home, Gillett, from Tuesday morning until the time of services at the church.