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Donna Burke Obituary

Burke, Donna B., M.D. (Nee Bienlein) Died peacefully in the Cardiovascular ICU at St. Luke's Hospital on October 9, 2009, after a courageous two month struggle against complications of a heart attack and subsequent open-heart surgery. She was a young 69 years old. Donna and husband Eugene had just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. They are the proud parents of three sons, Christopher (Nancy and grandson Mickey) of Houston, Texas; Daniel, of Portland Oregon, and Joseph (Kristin) of Waukesha. She was preceded in death by her parents Edmund and Helen Bienlein. Further survived by her brother Jeffery (Deborah) Bienlein of Grafton and nieces Nicole, Amanda, and Kathryn Bienlein. Donna grew up in Cedarburg and Port Washington. She graduated from the former St. Agnes School of Nursing in Fond du Lac, in 1961. After earning her BS in Nursing from Marquette University in 1964, she went onto medical school and graduated in 1968. After her marriage to Eugene that year, they moved to San Francisco where she had her training in Adult and Child Psychiatry. In 1975, she returned to Wisconsin and settled in Elm Grove. Donna established the Elmbrook Family Counseling Center in Brookfield 28 years ago, and remained its Medical Director. She was a highly respected psychiatrist with a busy practice; much loved by her patients, most of whom regarded her as a warm, keenly insightful therapist. Donna had a broad range of talents, which she continually developed. Her passion was her home and garden. She cherished time spent each summer at her cottage on Lake Michigan. Her Dahlia garden was the envy of all who loved flowers. She very much enjoyed learning new things, playing cards with her family and friends, and maintaining a spotless, well organized home. She was a wonderful cook and made all holidays a joy. While she had a Germanic work-ethic, she also showed an engaging sense of humor and a romantic desire to keep in touch with all old friends, making gifts for them and sending emails and photos. Everyone seemed attracted to her and her magic was such that no one will forget her. Our loss is great. Donna was a wonder to her husband and family, a light and guide. Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2009, at the Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a vigil service at 8:00 PM. We will celebrate her life at a Funeral Mass to be held at 10:00 AM, at St. Mary's Visitation Church (1260 Church St.), Saturday, October 17, 2009. Private interment will be at St. Mary's Visitation Cemetery, Elm Grove. Memorials to a charity of your choice are appreciated. Sympathy Expressions www.BeckerRitter.com Becker Ritter Michael Ferrick Associate 14075 W. North Ave. Brookfield (262) 782-5330

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Oct. 14 to Oct. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Pete Stephens

February 11, 2011

Dear Gene and Family. We just heard of Donn's death. We were very saddened and want to extend our sincerest condolences. She was a gracious and giving lady. If you wish, please let us hear from you. We've missed her wonderful Christmas letters. Gene, take good care. I remember the fun times Peggy and I had with both of you during your stay in San Francisco during Donna's residency. We lost two great women too soon. Sincerely, Pete and Barbara Stephens

Beth and Roger Benoit

December 19, 2009

Dearest Gene and family,
We just learned the sad news about Donna and our hearts are heavy for all of you. How we looked forward to her hilarious, self-effacing Christmas letters! We loved having the two of you for "next-door neighbors" in those little apartments for interns and residents at St. Mary's in San Francisco. How lucky we were to have known her and kept in touch all these years. The world is less wonderful without her in it.

Rob & Lynda Cox

October 28, 2009

Unfortunately, we only knew Donna for a short amount of time. The first time we met her was at the engagement party we threw for Kristin & Joe in West Des Moines, IA (Kristin’s home town). She introduced herself with so much warmth and happiness, that it was hard NOT to love a person such as herself. As time went by, her friendship, humor, generosity and love for life continued to show through. We wish we could have known her for a longer period of time, but the time we did have with her was special, and we feel so fortunate to have known her. She was truly a wonderful person, and we will miss her. Our hearts go out to Gene, Joe, Chris and Dan (and all their families) for the loss of such a beautiful human being.

Carolyn (Carrie) Burke

October 27, 2009

Dear Uncle Gene and cousins, Chris, Dan and Joe. This world has truly lost a wonderful woman. I could go on and on about what a great person Aunt Donna was. I just wish I would have taken the time to say this when she was alive and well. We often, reqretfully, put too much time and distance between ourselves and our loved ones. Aunt Donna, I imagine you're taking on our ancestors in games of Scrabble and Poker. Save some space for me at the table, I hope to be joining you..just not before my time. With Love,

Debbie Bingham Joe DeBoth

October 25, 2009

I want to thank the Burke family for sharing Donna with the world. Donna has treated my 15 year old son since his Dad died in 2003. My son had many problems when she began her work, and she took him under her wing. She was his "soft place to fall", and she changed his life forever, as well as ours! She allowed us to be ourselves, vent in frustration, and she never surgar coated anything. She helped us keep our sanity dealing with our son, and most of all she gave us "hope". Many times she told us stories of her own boys, and how one day they all just magically mature...Because of her help, we're starting to see that firsthand.We became to love her like one of our own family, and she will be greatly missed!

Mary Ann Blaubach

October 24, 2009

Gene and family, I just received Donna's "Legacy" from a friend.....Chris, it was beautifully done.
You all remain in my prayers at this time. I have many fond memories of Donna from the time we met at Milw. County Hospital and thru the many years. A great, fun-loving, sincere lady. I wish I had saved all her letters....she had a marvelous sense of humor. Peace, love,

Claudia Blaz

October 22, 2009

Dear Uncle Gene, Chris, Dan, Chris and family,
I have rarely come across a person with the creativity, energy, and passion for life that Donna had. It was contagious--she was so much fun to be around. I remember her for her keen wit, fun-loving competitive spirit, and her very entertaining holiday newletters. For two months she and all of you have been in my thoughts and prayers. She was a very special lady, one who I will miss very much. May the wonderful memories you have of her sustain you. My sincerest sympathies.

Mary Anne Lawhead

October 19, 2009

To my dear broyher Gene Donna was an amazing person. So talented with a wit and understanding like no other. We all will miss her especially your self, but she is in a heavnily place, she will be in our hearts and we will remember her foreveor. Love Mary Anne

October 19, 2009

Please God be with the Burke family during this sorrowful time. I cannot express the amount of respect that was had for this wonderful physician and friend. I remember JRH being her favorite place. She always spoke so highly of her family and went out of her way for you if she could. Don't know what we would have done without your help in treating mom. Thank you! Sincerely, The Rettela Family

Bob Fischer

October 17, 2009

Dr. Burke,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. With love, Bob and Margaret Fischer

Pamela Pletcher

October 17, 2009

Dr. Burke was my clinical supervisor as a psychiatry resident ten years ago She had a deep appreciation and compassion for people and their stories. She helped me learn the "art" of psychiatry with enthusiasm and warmth. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

October 17, 2009

We will miss Dr. Mom
Each summer we looked forward to briefly seeing Donna with her wonderful enthusiasms - she had many: playing cards, solving enormous picture puzzles, talking about flowers ( tips on Dahlias), as well as her family.
But most missed will be Donna's special infectious gift, which was not just her contagious laugh and wit, but her robust appreciation for the moment.

David Harland and Mike Westerhausen

Joan Novak

October 17, 2009

Gene and the boys,

I can't express how sorry I feel for you and the loss of Donna. She was such a special woman with all her talents, humor,and caring. She meant a lot to so many. I'm thinking of you constantly and wish I could have been there to say goodbye. Always remember the good times. They will keep her with you always.

Steve Matz

October 16, 2009

Gene and family,
May time heal the pain of your loss and her memories remain vivid to strengthen your future. I remember Donna as the smart, strong lady I saw occasionally during the holidays. She was one of the few who could challenge Bob Novak to a respectable game of Scrabble. I hope maybe now they can play again.

Steve Matz

October 16, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the entire family. When I worked in Medical Records at EMH and Dr.D. Burke came in
she was always smiling and took time to
talk for a while. She took the time to
ask how you were and if anything new was going in your life. She was truly
a wonderful person, and I know will be
deeply missed by her family, friends, and patients.

God Bless,
Kathie Sommer
Sussex, WI

Al & Gerry Kirsch

October 16, 2009

In November, we had wanted to send you a card to express our sincere gratitude and a heartfelt THANK YOU for the care you gave our daughter, Sheila Dykas these past 7 years. You will carry a very special place in our hearts.

October 16, 2009

Dear Gene and family,

Words can not express my sadness and loss of such a dear friend. She was always there when I needed her. Her sense of hurmor was awesome and her friendship was cherished. Thanks again Joe for keeping us updated during the past 2 month so we could share her struggle. My thought and prayers are with you Saturday and you will be in my thought as we all say goodbye to a great lady and a special friend.

Love to everyone,
Kay

Joe Heil

October 16, 2009

Donna always had a sparkle in her eye and a witty rejoinder to whatever life was throwing her at the moment. heaven forfend if you were late for a meeting with donna! She was a great lady, and she will be missed. i feel privileged to have called her and gene friends.
Joe Heil, Jr. Whitefish Bay, WI.

Carl & Amy Novak

October 16, 2009

I will think of Aunt Donna as always able to make our family smile, along with a new game to use your thinking skills, too. Listening to stories over a Christmas get together, eating a delicious big wonderful meal she prepared. Just being happy with a feeling of belonging to our family and the time we could all be together.
Our deepest sorrow at this time.

October 15, 2009

Donna was a dynamic person and well liked by all her classmates. Will miss seeing her at our reunions. She touched many lives not only in her professional life but personal also.
Nancy Allen Scheunemann
High School classmate

October 15, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

October 15, 2009

To the family of Dr.Donna,
I will truly miss Dr. Donna not only as my wonderful psychiatrist but as the friend she became to me. She had an incredible gift of helping those who came to her for guidance. She spoke with such pride of her husband and sons.
The last time I saw saw her she told me about her wonderful week that she spent reading in her hammock at the lake.I will be forever indebted to her for helping me gain the strength and courage to overcome my depression. Peace...
Judy Cesarec

James Burke

October 14, 2009

Dear Uncle Gene and sons,
We are so very sorry for your loss of our beloved Aunt Donna! She will be remembered for her quick wit and kind nature. We were all blessed to have her in our lives and take comfort that she is now with our Savior. We will continue to pray for you all and may God bless you all during this difficult time. We send our love and prayers.
Jim and Kathy Burke

Sarah (Stich) Gonnering

October 14, 2009

I will remember Donna for her sense of humor, wonderful Holiday newsletters and for always bringing dessert. My sympathies to all.

Suzie DeBarge

October 14, 2009

Dr.Donna Burke will forever remain in my heart. She was such a wonderful person to know. Along with being a great MD, she was always seen with beauty, grace and brought a smile and laughter to all at EMH. She truly exemplified the meaning of the Wheaton philosophy. In our small talks we shared, she was such a delight and will truly be missed. I saw her in Medical Records 1984 forward.
My prayers and thoughts to family and especially to Dr. E. Burke. I know she will be greatly missed, but she leaves everyone with so many wonderful memories to share. God bless.

October 14, 2009

Dear Gene,
We remember Donna for her wonderful sense of humor, caring way and delightful conversation. Our condolences to you and your family. May your faith comfort you at this difficult time, and may God grant her eternal peace.
John and Mary Kay Lammers

Judy Eichenseer

October 14, 2009

Life on earth is best measured by the number of lives we've touched in a positive way and Donna has touched an immeasurable number of lives through her humor, love, and understanding. My dear friend and classmate, will be greatly missed.
Sympathy and prayers to the family.

Julie Francl, RN

October 14, 2009

I know only of Dr. Eugene Burke's profound love for Donna, a deep and enduring love that will transcend all. To him, and the entire bereaved family, I extend my deepest sympathy and the hope that the pain endured over these past two agonizing months will eventually be replaced by peaceful, loving memories of Donna. May God comfort all of you in your loss. Peace, your friend & colleague,

Julie Barkow-Peck

October 14, 2009

Uncle Gene & Family, Aunt Donna will be remembered with love & fond memories. I remember attending your wedding in Cedarburg with my family and the few family get-togethers we had with the Hungarian side of the family. Those were fun times and she was always the fun, humorous and upbeat person to be around. We'll miss her xmas cards & pictures of the family. Love to all of you, Julie (Stueck) and Rick Peck.

October 14, 2009

She was like a mother to me. I need her and miss her. When I see beautiful flowers I think of her. I will never be the same. My prayers to her family in this time of great sorrow.

Sincerely,
Debbie Bauer

October 14, 2009

Our loss is beyond words. Prayers to the family.

Most sincerely,
Paula Lippert

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