Joan R. Burk

BURK, COULTAS, REED, SPEER, SVUBA

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 12/1/2024 at 14:17:55

Joan R. Burk, 87, of Independence, Iowa died Monday morning, November 25, 2024, at her home in Independence following a short illness.

Joan was born on June 10, 1937, near Fonda, Iowa and was the daughter of George J. and Dorothy (Coultas) Svuba. She was a 1955 graduate of Laurens High School in Laurens, Iowa. On August 17, 1957, she married Wayne H. Burk in Laurens, Iowa. Joan attended Buena Vista College, the University of Northern Iowa receiving a teaching certification, and received a BA in Education from the Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA.

Joan went on to teach at Westfield School, Westfield, IA, Oakland School, Oakland, IA, Treynor School, Treynor, IA, the Independence Community Schools, Independence and retired from the Postville Schools, Postville, Iowa in 2000. In her spare time Joan loved to garden, cook, bake, paint, and attend to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren special activities.

She was a member of the Independence PEO, the Iowa Teachers Association, and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband Wayne, Independence, IA, three children: Kevin Burk, Urbandale, IA., Brian (Vicky) Burk, Independence, IA., and Julie (Warren) Reed, Winthrop, IA. Eight grandchildren; Carrie Burk, Jonathan Burk, Emily Burk, Abigail Burk, Mickayla Burk, Ethan Burk, Elliott Reed, Michael Reed. Seven Great Grandchildren, a brother; Dwight Svuba, O’Fallon, MO. and a sister; Gernie Speer, Dandridge, TN

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Bill and Francis Svuba.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, Independence, Iowa with Rev. Elizabeth Bell officiating.

Inurnment will be held at the Fremont Cemetery, Winthrop, IA. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM Friday at the Reiff Family Center in Independence, Iowa.