Bernard W. Burken (1940-2019)

BURKEN, JAMES, FLOR

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:29

Bernard W. “Ben” Burken, 78, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 24, 2019, at home.

Ben was born September 28, 1940, in Clinton, Iowa, to William and Majorie (James) Burken. A 1959 graduate of DeWitt High School, Ben married Pauline Flor on April 16, 1961, at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt. He worked at Peters Motors before becoming a DeWitt police officer, serving as an auxiliary officer and EMT, and working for C&J Farm Service. He served in the Army Reserves/National Guard for 9 years. Ben was plant manager for HSI Corp, and then worked for Goettsch Farms 21 years, retiring in 2004.

Ben served as a DeWitt volunteer fireman for 26 years. He was a charter member of the DeWitt Nite Lions serving the local community and becoming District 9x9 governor in 1989-1990. He was a member of the American Legion, and Chairman of the City Board of Adjustments. He was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving as trustee for 4 years.

Ben enjoyed fishing, woodworking, hunting, and family.

Surviving are his loving wife of 58 years, Pauline; son, David (Liana) Burken, Lincoln, Nebraska; daughters, Pamela (Richard) Kendall, Council Bluffs, and Anne (Alan) Edwards, DeWitt; grandchildren, David Burken, Brian (Shelby) Burken, Amelia and Louis Kendall; great-grandchildren, Carmine, Ashley and Eldon Burken; brothers, John (Jan), Ed (Bonnie), Mark (Jerri); sister-in-law, Sandy Burken; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, and brother, Leonard.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2019, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Service of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Memorials may be made to the DeWitt Nite Lions or the DeWitt Fire Department.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com
Clinton Herald, August 26, 2019.