JEFFERSON, S.D. -- Thomas E. "Tom" Burke, formerly of Jefferson, passed away Aug. 21, 2008, at his residence in Petaluma, Calif., due to complications from a long affliction with Multiple Sclerosis.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jefferson. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery. There will be a Scripture service at 7 p.m. Friday at the church. Arrangements in Jefferson are under the direction of Larkin Northside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home in Sioux City.
Thomas E. Burke, Tom as he was widely known to all friends, was born July 27, 1933, in Sioux City, the son of James L. Burke and Frances K. Burke of Jefferson. He attended St. Peter's School and graduated in 1952 from Jefferson High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and after his discharge, he moved to California. While working for Glasspar Company in Santa Ana, Calif., he learned to manufacture and market fiberglass boats. He eventually became a dealership manager in Phoenix, Ariz. Glasspar described him as a talented water skiing enthusiast and all-around boatman.
Survivors include his very caring wife, Wanda; their stepchildren, Jennifer, Jeff and Kevin; seven grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; three sisters, Alice Dusenbery, Patricia Beermann and Kathleen Roster; five brothers, James, Raymond, Martin, Charles and Daniel; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents in 1951 and 2005; and a sister, Sister May Joyce Burke in 1992.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society, Hospice or a charity of choice.