John T. Burke
May 13, 1928 ~ November 1, 2009
John T. Burke, age 81 of Elma, IA died on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton, IA.
John Thomas Burke Jack was born on May 13, 1928 to William and Alice (Bilek) Burke in Elma, IA. Jack attended country school near Elma. He helped his dad on the family farm until 1955 when he enlisted in the United States Army serving with the 11th Airborne Division until his honorable discharge in 1957. Jack returned home to farm with his dad and brother Norbert. He continued to farm after moving to Elma in 1994. Jack was united in marriage to Eleanor Wichman on February 1, 1958 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lawler, IA. The couple then farmed the Burke family farm and raised their 12 children.
Jack enjoyed farming and milking cows, fishing and spending time with his family. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma.
Jack is survived by his wife Eleanor of Elma, IA; 12 children, Ann (Dennis) OBrien of Elma, John Burke of Cresco, IA, Edward (Sue) Burke of Elma, IA, Joseph (Sandra) Burke of Lime Springs, IA, Patrick (Renee) Burke of Elma, IA, Gene Burke of Elma, IA, Rose (Jeff) Nibaur of Elma, IA, Chuck (Wendy) Burke of New Hampton, IA, Dennis (Janna) Burke of Alta Vista, IA, Rick (Lois) Burke of Elma, IA, Randy (Jenny) Burke of Elma, IA and Kenny (Christine) Burke of Elma, IA; 32 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; three brothers Norbert (Theresa) Burke of Elma, IA, Donald (Fran) Burke of Cresco, IA and Jim (Judy) Burke of Waterloo, IA; three sisters Phyllis (Francis) Dietrich of Elma, IA, Shirley Mihm of Dubuque, IA and Murilley (Don) McAllister of Richland Hills, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, William, Allen, Glenn and Joseph; one sister Aleatha; four grandsons Adam, Brian, Christopher and Anthony; two great grandchildren Shelby and Abby.
Cemetery:
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at Elma, IA with Mike OBrien, Scott OBrien, Kevin OBrien, Nick Burke, Tylor Burke, Aaron Burke and Jake Burke serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers will be Johns grandchildren. Military rites will be provided by the Elma American Legion John Frahm Post #597.
Visitation:
Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma with a 4:00 pm Rosary and a scriptural wake service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home on Wednesday.
Service:
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Elma, IA with Father John Harpel as celebrant. Theresa Burke will be the organist accompanying the choir in singing Here I Am Lord, Precious Lord Take My Hand, I Am the Bread of Life, Lead Me Lord, How Great Thou Art and Song of Farewell.
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Chuck and family ~ we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. You and the entire Burke family have our deepest sympathy and will keep youl in our thoughts and prayers.
Monk & Jo
Chuck and Family– my deepest sympathy to you and yours at this time of loss…. my prayers and thoughts are with you all…. Love Staci and family
Dear Burke family you have our deepest sympathy of the passing of a father husband and friend you are in our prayers Keith &Lori Johnson
Gene, Pat, Ed and family, sorry to hear about your dad, I remember the times out on your farm when I was in grade school.
Neal & Julie Ungs, Las Vegas, Nevada
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE BURKE FAMILY
MARGE AND DAVE MAYO
1080 KELLY DR.
NASHVILLE N.C. 27856
Uncle Jack was a wonderful person. We are sure going to miss seeing him at the family gatherings. My thoughts and prayers go out to Eleanor and the rest of the Burke family. Love you all. Deanne
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers! I am very sorry to hear about your loss…
Pat, Renee and all of the Burke Family. My deepest sympathy goes to all of you on the loss of your loved one. I will keep you all in my prayers at this trying time and as you go on without him. God Bless All of You!
Love,
Mary Rice
Tripoli, Iowa
Rose, My sympathy to you in the loss of your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
The family has our sympathy and they will be in our prayers.
Rose, Jeff and families – I was sorry to read about your father’s passing. Thank you for your support throughout our sadness and I extend the same to you. No matter our age, it’s hard to lose a parent. Love, Jean Brophy Huegel
To the Burke family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and sypmathys are with all of you.