Eleanor Burke, 83

Feb. 21, 1938 —

April 6, 2021

 

ELMA - Eleanor Rose Burke, age 83, of Elma, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, with Father Jerry Kopacek celebrating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery at Elma. 

Eleanor Rose Wichman was born on Feb. 21, 1938 to Hugh and Huberta (McAleer) Wichman in Waucoma, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School in Lawler, Iowa in 1956. She worked at the Dime Store in New Hampton, Iowa. 

Eleanor was united in marriage to John T. Burke on Feb. 1, 1958 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. The couple made their home on the family farm near Elma, where they lived until their retirement in 1995. They then moved into town, where Eleanor has lived ever since. 

She enjoyed baking, gardening, crossword puzzles, teaching religious education, volunteering at the nursing home and especially enjoyed being with her family. Eleanor was a community-minded person, always thinking of others and volunteering at local events. She belonged to Immaculate Conception Church, Rosary Society and Colonial Manor Auxiliary.

Eleanor is survived by her children, Ann (Dennis) O’Brien of Elma, John Burke of Cresco, Iowa, Ed (Kris) Burke of Spillville, Iowa, Joe (Sandi) Burke of Lime Springs, Iowa, Pat (Renee) Burke of Elma, Gene Burke of Elma, (son-in-law) Jeff Nibaur of Elma, Chuck (Wendy) Burke of New Hampton, Rick (Lisa) Burke of Elma, Randy (Jenny) Burke of Elma and Kenny (Christine) Burke of Cresco; sisters, Madonna Einwalter of Marion, Iowa and Margaret (Dick) Regenold of Fairbank, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Fran Burke of Cresco, Murley (Don) McAllister of Richland, Texas and Shirley Mihm of Dubuque, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Jim (Judy) Burke of Waterloo, Iowa and Norbert (Theresa) Burke of Elma; 32 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Huberta Wichman; husband, John in 2009; daughter, Rose Nibaur; son, Dennis Burke; sisters, Dorothy, Delores and Sister Cephus; brothers, Edward, John, Joe, Jim and Robert; six grandchildren, Adam, Brian, Shelby, Christopher, Anthony and Abby; and daughter-in-law, Sue Burke.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.