Donna M Burke
December 13, 1966 ~ April 3, 2021
Donna M. Burke, age 54, of New Hampton, IA passed away on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at MercyOne North Iowa Hospice from unexpected complications of an aneurysm.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 AM on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Holy Family Parish with Father Brian Dellaert celebrating the mass. For family members attending the funeral mass, face masks and social distancing are required. The family welcomes those not in attendance to view the mass via Facebook Live at 11:30 AM through Conway-Markham Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton. In Lieu of flowers and monetary gifts, memorials may be directed to Comprehensive Systems of Charles City, IA. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.
Donna Marie was born December 13, 1966, the daughter of Irvin and Marie (Balk) Blong. She attended and graduated from Turkey Valley High School in the class of 1985. After completing her education, Donna worked at Mabe’s Pizza in Decorah as a waitress where she met her future husband, Craig Burke. The couple were united in marriage on September 9, 1989 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas. They made their home on the Burke Family Farm where they welcomed three boys, Jeremy, Joshua and Jordan. Donna obtained her CNA license and worked at the Cresco Care Center and then as a Home Health Aid for Winneshiek County Public Health Department for a number of years. After leaving the public health field, Donna continued to provide care in private home settings. Throughout the years, Donna was an avid golfer, and bowler. She traveled as a school chaperone with her son Josh to a number of events with ELP, including a trip to Washington D.C. It was easy to see that her children were her pride and joys. This past year, Donna welcomed her first grandson, Sebastian Charles. Donna loved to chat and never met a stranger! She was a member of Holy Family Parish and Rosary Society.
Those left to cherish Donna’s memories are her husband of 31 years, Craig Burke of New Hampton; her sons, Jeremy Burke of New Hampton, Josh (Kayla) Burke of Cedar Falls, IA and Jordan Burke, also of New Hampton; her grandson, Sebastian; her parents, Irvin and Marie Blong of Fort Atkinson, IA; her siblings, Ron (Donna) Blong of Fort Atkinson, Dr. David (Brenda) Blong of Chariton, IA, Karen (Jon) Kiss of Mason City, IA and Leon Blong of New Hampton, IA; her mother-in-law, Marcella Burke of New Hampton; sister-in-law, Michele (Alan) Kirkdorffer of Harrisonburg, VA and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Charles Burke and several aunts and uncles.
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Condolences to all the Burke family. Donna was a devoted mother, only wanting the best for her boys.
Craig – I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Donna and your family.
I always enjoyed visiting with Donna, and almost always it was good things about the boys! Rest In Peace Donna.
I am so sorry to hear of Donnas passing. She was such a good worker for all the funeral dinners we did together. She was so proud of all her boys. Talked about them many times. Rest in peace Donna.
I’m so saddend to learn of Donna’s passing. We were in the same class at Turkey Valley. I remember her as a very kind person. My sympathy goes out to her family.
My sympathies to the whole family. As a classmate of Donna’s at both St. Luke’s and Turkey Valley. I have many fond memories with her. Lara (Nusz) Hicok
My sympathy to the family. I first met Donna when I was sub for bowling. She will be missed by many. MaryAnn Onken Diesburg
My sympathy to the whole family. She was a classmate of mine at Turkey Valley.
So sorry to hear of Donna’s death. We are sending hugs and prayers to the entire Burke and Blong family. With sympathy to all.
Craig and family: My sympathy and prayers to your sons and Donna’s siblings in this journey of loss .
Craig and boys, you have our deepest sympathy. I got to know Donna when the boys were in school with Ashley. Cherish the memories. Deb Thorne and Ashley Deetz
Craig Jeremy Josh and Jordan Our sympathy and prayers for you
Craig, Our deepest sympathy …. Donna was a fun loving, very caring person. We are so sorry. Kevin and Stacy Moellers
Craig, Josh, Jeremy & Jordon, our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this challenging time. Donna was a lady with a vivacious personality and always had a smile to share. Bill and Denise Sinnwell
Donna was a classmate of mine at St. Luke’s and Turkey Valley. She was a fun and caring person. My prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. Norma (Meyer) Bunn
My deepest sympathy to Donna’s family.
My Deepest Sympathy to entire family for your Loss. I worked with Jeremy at The Pinicon , and took care of Gpa Burke in the Nursing home. Know Prayers and Thoughts are witj you at this difficult time. Lyn Bailey
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Craig and family, we are so very sorry Donna was a sweet and kind lady ✝️ She will forever be in your hearts❤️
So sorry for your loss. Donna was fun loving and enjoyed life! Know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Carolyn Nelson
So sorry for your sudden loss. Praying for you and your family for peace and comfort. Candace and Norek Tahmasian.
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a great friend over the years and will be missed. She thought the world of the boys. This world will not be the same without her. May she rest in peace. Steve, Ramona & Jacob Heit
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Thinking of you all Craig, Jeremy, Josh, and Jordan at such a sad time. The community will be with you in thought and prayer.
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
We send our condolences and prayers to the family on Donna’s passing. She was so lively and caring, very happy to see you when you visited. She will be missed!
We send our sincere condolences to the Burke family.
Donna loved to help people! She inspired me with her willingness, enthusiasm, and compassion in serving others! May God rest Donna’s beautiful soul and grant peace & strength to her family and friends! Connie Njus
Donna’s sister Karen is my sister-in-law and I will always remember Donna’s exuberant spirit and how warm, friendly and welcome she made me feel whenever we met. My heart is heavy and I wish so much love, compassion and strength to family and friends grieving her loss. A poem by John O’Dohohue : ON THE DEATH OF THE BELOVED “Though we need to weep your loss, You dwell in that safe place in our hearts, Where no storm or night or pain can reach you. Your love was like the dawn Brightening over our lives Awakening beneath the dark A further adventure of color. The sound of your voice Found for us A new music That brightened everything. Whatever you enfolded in your gaze Quickened in the joy of its being You placed smiles like flowers On the altar of the heart. Your mind always sparkled With wonder at things. Though your days here were brief, Your spirit was live, awake, complete. We look towards each other no longer From the old distance of our names; Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath, As close to us as we are to ourselves. Though we cannot see you with outward eyes, We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face, Smiling back at us from within everything To which we bring our best refinement. Let us not look for you only in memory, Where we would grow lonely without you You would want us to find you in presence, Beside us when beauty brightens, When kindness glows And music echoes eternal tones. When orchids brighten the earth, Darkest winter has turned to spring; May this dark grief flower with hope In every heart that loves you. May you continue to inspire us: To enter each day with a generous heart. To serve the call of courage and love Until we see your beautiful face again In that land where there is no more separation, Where all tears will be wiped from our mind, And where we will never lose you again.” – John O’Donohue
I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I had not seen her for a while but remember good times at the bowling alley. You have my sympathy. She was always bubbly and a joy to visit with. I will remember her always with a smile on her face. Good memories will remain with all who knew her.
I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. My deepest sympathy. I so enjoyed visiting with her in my store and when I would see her out and about. I know she will be very much missed.
Josh, Kayla, Sebastian and Family-Thinking of you all during this time.
Our deepest sympathies to you Craig and your family. Donna was always happy to see you and was always smiling! We will keep you in our prayers during this very difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. May God bless you all
Thoughts and prayers for the Burke Family. Josh – Losing a mom is heartbreaking but we hope you know we are by your side during this time of sorrow.
Thoughts and Prayers to the Burke Families. R.I.P. Donna. Larry & Jane Finnegan
I pray the memories will console you today of this great lady. I had the pleasure of bowling and golfing with her. We are praying for her family. Jeanne and David Roder
Piglet & Eeyore – All in Pooh Corner are thinking of you & your family. Love, Pooh & Dan, Zach, Ashley, Scoop, Doug, Rachel & Dom.
Sorry to hear about Donna. Always had a kind word and time to for a chat. She will be missed. Prayers to the entire family.
We wish to share our sincere condolences. Donna never failed to have a cheerful smile and a positive greeting when our paths met. She was a fun and talented member and leader of the TV girls golf team during her high school career. I will always remember her for these positive attributes. Bob and Renea Huinker
I am so very sorry for your loss! I smile when I think of Donna’s heart-felt laugh and how confident she was in her wonderfully flamboyant purple hat 💜
My heart goes out to your family. I wish you nothing but peace and comforting and joyful memories of Donna’s love hugs and infectious laugh. She always made her presence known and never met a stranger-always a potential friend. I look forward to seeing her again in heaven where I know she is still watching over us and preparing a big celebration for all of us
Our sympathy and prayers to the Blong & Burke families. Donna was kind and joyful.
Rick and I were saddened to hear about Donna! She always had a smile and always had something kind to say! You will be greatly missed, Donna! Prayers to Craig and boys and to you Leon!!!
Extending my deepest sumpathy to the Burke and Blong families. I worked several funeral dinners with Donna; such an ambitious lady and conversationalist…I enjoyed her presence. And oh, how she loved her boys—it was heartwarming. May she look over and protect you all as she Rests In Peace.
I forgot to add how much I enjoyed the laughter and love she brought to my life and all she touched. She did tough so many people.
I pray that Craig knows my prayers are with him and his family
You shall never be forgotten