William H. Burke (1927-2007)

BURKE

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 9/27/2007 at 13:21:44

William "Bill" H. Burke, age 80, of Council Bluffs, went home to be with Jesus, on September 24, 2007.

Bill was born May 26, 1927, in Council Bluffs, to Joseph and Nora Burke. In his youth, Bill was an all-star athlete excelling in football, baseball, basketball, track and boxing. He married his soul mate, Lila Lee Flanagan, on June 10, 1950. With unwavering loyalty, Bill had a long and rewarding career with Union Pacific Railroad. He loved to sing Frank "Franky" Sinatra songs, impersonating John Wayne, gardening, eating hot tamales and enchiladas, and tinkering around his acreage. Bill loved the simple things in life. Bill loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He faithfully served at First Baptist and Walnut Grove Baptist Churches, and, in later years, belonged to Salem United Methodist, all in Council Bluffs.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother and 1 sister, and his beloved son, Mark Douglas Burke.

He is survived by his wife, Lila Lee and son, Daniel "Dan," of Council Bluffs; daughters, Debra Cary and Marci Dailey of Omaha, Neb., and Rebecca Woita and husband Michael, of Ashland, Neb.; 6 grandchildren, in birth order, Christopher Erickson, Amanda Dailey, Dana Burke, Andrea Cary, Jeffrey Dailey, and Danielle Burke; 4 great grandchildren; brother, John Burke and wife Cynthia, of Council Bluffs; sisters, Carolyn Burke, of Council Bluffs, Barbara Bize and husband Dave, of Ariz., Ann Hintz of Kansas City, Mo.

A gathering with Lila and family will be Thursday, 6-8 p.m., at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home. Funeral service, Friday, 10 a.m., Salem United Methodist Church. Pastor David Wiesner, officiant. Interment, Lewis Township Cemetery. Luncheon will follow back at church.
The Daily NOnpareil