In Memory Of
Robert E. Burke
1935
2012
Robert E. Burke
April 19, 1935 — March 13, 2012
Robert Eugene "Mr. B, Bobby", Burke, 76, Junction City, KS, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Mercy Health Center in Manhattan, Kansas, due to complications after surgery. A public visitation will be 6-8 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 18, 2012, at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street. Cremation will follow the visitation. A graveside committal service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2012 at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, 5181 Wildcat Creek Rd., Manhattan, KS. There will be a funeral procession to the cemetery leaving from the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington, at 12:00 p.m. for friends and family.
He was born on April 19, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. He is the son of John Patrick and Claire Bridget Burke.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 52 years Patricia Burke, two daughters, Kelly Linick husband Steven, and Holly Voelcker husband David, all reside in Junction City, KS. Seven Grandchildren, Leah Linick, Kyle Linick, Jerami Selby, Haley Voelcker, Shane Voelcker, Amanda Jensen(Burke) Timothy's Daughter, Lonnie Garcilaso Bobby Jr.'s son . Three sisters, Pat Veenandal husband Deuce, Micki Parham husband Tom, Noreen Ekl husband Wayne, brother Jack Burke, brother in law Butch Pokornik and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Robert is preceded in death by his two sons, Robert Eugene, Jr., Timothy Terrence, his parent's, John and Clara, brothers, Jimmy and Kevin and sisters, Roberta and Karen and many other dear loved ones.
Robert was a wonderful person. He was a son, sibling, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend. He served during the Korean War in the United States Army. After that adventure, he decided being given orders was not for him. He went on to become a Sheet Metal worker for many unions in the Windy City and went on to build many of the landmarks in Chicago for over 35 years. He helped to build Sears Tower, John Hancock, Lake Point Towers and many others. His hands were working man hands, and to him a sledgehammer and duct tape was all a good builder needed.
After building in the cold for as long as he could stand, his family then pursued Sunny Southern California for the American dream. He tinkered around for the easy life. He became a realtor for Red Carpet. Now anyone who knows Bob knows this was not his cup of tea. I don't think he even sold one house. There were probably too many things wrong with them and being the honest man he was, in his heart and soul, he just couldn't do it. Now taking your money at a card game is a different story.
So, soon he became a heating and air conditioning man. Now in California this trade was perfect. When it is 110 degrees well, let's just say people were always happy to see him coming. He was very outgoing and helped everyone out when he could.
In 2005, once again relocation happened. His family was moving away, and he was not having that. Being the family man he was, Kansas was next and would be his final stop for retirement. He loved the City, Milford Lake and could still be the traveling man with better access to all four corners of the country.
He was very active with the Elks and The American Legion Post 45. He served as Commander of Post 45 and held several offices throughout the years. He has dedicated his time and always volunteered for all events and odd jobs which is how he adopted his second name, "Handy Bob the Builder". His dedication and loyalty was first and foremost on his mind.
He enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, watching Chicago Bears football, and spending every waking moment with Patricia by his side. He would always ask her, "Pat what is on the agenda today?"
52 Years of marriage is a sentiment to what was first and foremost in his life, his family. Bob and Pat have endured so much in their 52 years together. His family has always been the most important people to him during his life. All he lived for was to make sure his wife and family was always taken care of and happy!
God Bless Robert Eugene Burke, we love you and miss you. You always had the biggest heart around! xoxoxo
The family request that memorial contributions be given to the American Legion Post #45, 201 E. 4th Street, Junction City, Kansas 66441.
He was born on April 19, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. He is the son of John Patrick and Claire Bridget Burke.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 52 years Patricia Burke, two daughters, Kelly Linick husband Steven, and Holly Voelcker husband David, all reside in Junction City, KS. Seven Grandchildren, Leah Linick, Kyle Linick, Jerami Selby, Haley Voelcker, Shane Voelcker, Amanda Jensen(Burke) Timothy's Daughter, Lonnie Garcilaso Bobby Jr.'s son . Three sisters, Pat Veenandal husband Deuce, Micki Parham husband Tom, Noreen Ekl husband Wayne, brother Jack Burke, brother in law Butch Pokornik and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Robert is preceded in death by his two sons, Robert Eugene, Jr., Timothy Terrence, his parent's, John and Clara, brothers, Jimmy and Kevin and sisters, Roberta and Karen and many other dear loved ones.
Robert was a wonderful person. He was a son, sibling, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend. He served during the Korean War in the United States Army. After that adventure, he decided being given orders was not for him. He went on to become a Sheet Metal worker for many unions in the Windy City and went on to build many of the landmarks in Chicago for over 35 years. He helped to build Sears Tower, John Hancock, Lake Point Towers and many others. His hands were working man hands, and to him a sledgehammer and duct tape was all a good builder needed.
After building in the cold for as long as he could stand, his family then pursued Sunny Southern California for the American dream. He tinkered around for the easy life. He became a realtor for Red Carpet. Now anyone who knows Bob knows this was not his cup of tea. I don't think he even sold one house. There were probably too many things wrong with them and being the honest man he was, in his heart and soul, he just couldn't do it. Now taking your money at a card game is a different story.
So, soon he became a heating and air conditioning man. Now in California this trade was perfect. When it is 110 degrees well, let's just say people were always happy to see him coming. He was very outgoing and helped everyone out when he could.
In 2005, once again relocation happened. His family was moving away, and he was not having that. Being the family man he was, Kansas was next and would be his final stop for retirement. He loved the City, Milford Lake and could still be the traveling man with better access to all four corners of the country.
He was very active with the Elks and The American Legion Post 45. He served as Commander of Post 45 and held several offices throughout the years. He has dedicated his time and always volunteered for all events and odd jobs which is how he adopted his second name, "Handy Bob the Builder". His dedication and loyalty was first and foremost on his mind.
He enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, watching Chicago Bears football, and spending every waking moment with Patricia by his side. He would always ask her, "Pat what is on the agenda today?"
52 Years of marriage is a sentiment to what was first and foremost in his life, his family. Bob and Pat have endured so much in their 52 years together. His family has always been the most important people to him during his life. All he lived for was to make sure his wife and family was always taken care of and happy!
God Bless Robert Eugene Burke, we love you and miss you. You always had the biggest heart around! xoxoxo
The family request that memorial contributions be given to the American Legion Post #45, 201 E. 4th Street, Junction City, Kansas 66441.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert E. Burke, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, March 18, 2012
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Johnson & Mass-Hinitt
Memorial Service
Friday, April 6, 2012
Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)
Kansas Veterans' Cemetery
Guestbook
Visits: 4
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors