Thomas Burke's Obituary
Thomas K. Burke (Burkie)
Thomas K. Burke entered into eternal life on November 11, 2012 at the age of 61, surrounded by his loving wife Adele.
Tom was born on March 21, 1951 in Ashland, OH. He was the son of Leonard and Helen (Wheaton) Burke. The family moved to Shorewood, WI. in 1958 where he was raised and graduated from Shorewood High School in 1969. He attended UW Oshkosh where he received his BS Degree in 1975 and met his future wife. Tom and Del were married by her father The Rev. Harld A. Schwertfeger on July 10,1976 and celebrated 36 years of marriage.
Tom's love to his family and friends was his greatest gift. His quick wit and infectious laugh will always be remembered. He had a special bond with nature beginning with his Eagle Scout Award. Tom enjoyed boating the Oshkosh waterways with his wife and friends, playing tennis, building fires, and being outdoors. He was an avid Packer fan and loved to travel. Tom enjoyed his professional career as an independent sales rep for 35 years and was recently retired.
He was preceded in death by Leonard C. Burke (father), Timothy L. Burke (brother), Harold A. Schwertfeger (father-in-law), Mildred S. Schwertfeger (mother-in-law)
Survivors include his wife, Adele (nee Schwertfeger), his beloved dog Jack, Mother Helen, Sisters, Maureen Burke, Linda (Jim) Youngquist, Ron (Mary) Schwertfeger, Jim (Kathie) Schwertfeger, brothers-in-law, Tina (Jay) Hintze, sister-in-law, 6 nephews, 1 niece and their spouses including many relatives and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be sent to Oshkosh Humane Society, or Thomas Burke Memorial Fund.
Funeral services for Tom will be held on Saturday November 17, 2012 at 5:00PM in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church LCMS (2450 W. 9th). Family and friends may call at Fiss & Bills Funeral Home (865 S. Westhaven) on Friday from 4:00-7:00PM and also at the church on Saturday from 4:00PM until the hour of services.
Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Homes 865 S. Westhaven 920-235-1170 www.fissbillspoklasny.com
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?