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BORN
1935
DIED
2020
William Burke Obituary
Clive - William Lee Burke was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 6, 1935, to William and Mildred (Brownlee) Burke. William spent his early childhood living in Maxwell, Iowa, and spent a lot of time with an aunt and uncle on their farm in Wiota, Iowa.
In 1953, William graduated from East High School. William married his high school sweetheart, Norma (Treanor) Burke, in December 1954. William then entered the U.S. Army. In 1959, William began his career with the Des Moines Fire Department advancing through the ranks to Captain in his 37 year career, retiring in 1996. Two sons and two grandsons followed in his footsteps with the Des Moines Fire Department.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, great granddaughter, and several aunts and uncles.
William is survived by his wife of 65 ½ years, Norma (Treanor) Burke, two sons Daniel (Barbara) and Douglas (Maureen); four grandchildren Brian (Amber) Burke, Jessica (Patrick) Hendrickson, Jason (Alicia) Burke, and Matthew (Emily) Burke; and nine great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Des Moines Fire Department Honor Guard or Tori's Angels.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Burke
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
Sheryl Ponce
July 9, 2020
Norma and family. So sorry to hear about Bill. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Cindy Sposato
July 9, 2020
Norma and family. So sorry to hear about Bill. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Denny Davis
July 9, 2020
Norma, Dan, Doug, Kathi and I were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. The years that we worked together will always be cherished by myself and others, never forgotten. He was a great man, who has a great family. Take care.
Rita Carlson
July 8, 2020
My sincere condolences to Norma and family. Norma was my supervisor in the residential business office at NWB. May he Rest In Peace.
Suzanne Laird
July 7, 2020
Norma, we will miss Bill so much! We love you and you are in our hearts and prayers! Suzanne, Dan, Madison, Maggie, Morgan, and McLain
Veda Nicholson
July 7, 2020
Norma,so sorry to hear about Bill, your in my thoughts and prayers.
Terri Williams
July 7, 2020
Norma and Bill have been a part of our lives since we were 5 years old. Neighbors and good friends of our parents, they were always there for us through the good times and the bad, and we are in our late 60s now. So sad to hear of Bills passing. So glad we got to see you both last summer when we were up for our parents Internment service. Love and hugs to Norma and family. We are with you in spirit.
Terri Williams
July 7, 2020
Bill and Norma were a part of our lives since I was five. Even though my family moved away, they continued to be a part of our lives until the present, and I turn 67 this week. They made sure to be Involved in our lives throughout the years, and for that I am eternally grateful. Our parents, who were their friends, passed twenty years ago, but they continued to be there for us. Have loved you both and have been so thankful to have you in our lives. May you Rest In Peace Bill. Norma, know that we love you and are here for you always.
Lee McConnell
July 7, 2020
Godspeed Bill. I have such fond memories of you and Norma with the "dinner club". Loved it when you would badger me growing up. You were such a loyal friend to my mom & dad. No doubt you will be missed. Rest in peace. Heaven allows the best and I am proud to call you a friend.
Cheryl McConnell
July 7, 2020
Bill and Norma have been a part of entire life. Rest well Bill, I am sure you have lots of firemen keeping you company in heaven. Don't worry about Norma....we will take care of her until you meet again. God bless you. Love you, Cheryl and Lee McConnell
Doug Marshall
July 7, 2020
Norma, Dan, Doug and family, I was so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. I remember working with him at Sta. #1 and for him at Sta. #4. We had some very good times at both places. I still think back about that often. he was a good man to work with and for and was a great firefighter. My deepest sympathy.
The Loftsgards
July 7, 2020
Bill was more than a neighbor. He was our friend. Hes left a hole in our hearts. ❤ Rick, Dawn, Landon, Lindsey, Reid, Madi, Mara, Simon
Dawn
July 7, 2020
Bill was more than a neighbor. He was a dear friend to us all. He has left a hole in our hearts. ❤ Rick, Dawn, Landon, Lindsey, Reid. Madi, Mara, Simon
July 7, 2020
Bill was more than a neighbor. He was a dear friend to us all. He has left a hole in our hearts. ❤ Rick, Dawn, Landon, Lindsey, Reid. Madi, Mara, Simon
Danny Burke
July 7, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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