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James Burke Obituary
James B. Burke
Feb. 23, 1936 - March 2, 2023
VERONA – James B. Burke, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Agrace Hospice.
Jim was born on February 23, 1936 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI, to Roy and Juanita (Whelan) Burke. He started his business career as a paperboy and graduated from Verona High School in 1954. After school he entered the US Army and spent two years in Berlin, Germany. While in Europe he started his love affair with collectibles.
Upon returning, he attended and graduated from Madison Business College and began a career in accounting. He worked for Northwestern Stone, Oscar Mayer, Nicolet Instruments, and his own accounting practice.
In 1970, he started a successful career with his own real estate firm, De Burgo Realty, selling real estate for over 50 years. On October 24, 1964, he married the love of his life, Arlene Scherrer. Jim was a lifetime member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, and a longtime member of the Verona Optimist Club and the Verona Jaycees.
He enjoyed telling a good joke as well as hearing a good joke, reading, golfing, seeing friends, and especially spending time with family. Jim will be missed for his love, kindness, humor and knowledge.
Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Arlene; children: Patrick (Julie Hamm), Teresa Kohler-Burke (Benjamin Kohler), and Brian (Nicole); grandchildren: Joseph, Olivia, Alicia Kohler, Payton, Nolan, and Harper; and sister-in-law, Lois. He is further survived by nephews and a niece along with their children. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Robert, Margaret, Tom, Marcia, Ruth, and Ann; in-laws, Joe and Bernice Scherrer; and brother-in-law, Roger.
A private family service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be given to charities that were close to Jim's heart.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625
Memories and Condolences
for James Burke
Sponsored by Ryan Funeral Home - Verona Chapel.
4 Entries
Floyd May
March 18, 2023
I will miss seeing and visiting with Jim. He was someone I always looked for when I was out walking my dogs. If I ran into him going into his office or if he was driving, he always had a kind word. Our loss is Heavens gain. I look forward to seeing him again at our Lord Jesus' table. Condolences and prayers to his family. Floyd May family
Chuck Dorgan
March 15, 2023
Arlene
I have been in California this month. Just received the message on Jim´s passing. You have my sympathy and please try to manage.
Chuck Dorgan
Jane Daugherty
March 8, 2023
May memories of Jim´s love, wit, intelligence, and guidance sustain you like a warm blanket.
Thinking about your family during this tender time.
- Sending condolences
Lisa Seibold-Zorr
Diana and Les Howles
March 7, 2023
In loving memory of Jim who was full of life and humor! I still smile when I remember telling him "you know, your daughter is really smart." He smiled and said immediately, "well, she gets that from me!"
May you treasure your cherished memories, and find peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers,
Diana (Gering) and Les Howles
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Madison, WI
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