Service Information
Dorothea “Dorothy” Burke, age 95, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Private Combined Memorial Service for Dorothy and her husband, Franklin “Frank” Burke who passed away on January 1, 2018, will be held at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Fernando south of Stewart, Minnesota, with interment following in the church cemetery.
Military Honors by the DeGree-Fleisch American Legion Post 125 of Stewart.
Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Obituary
Dorothea “Dorothy” Adela Lena Burke, 95, of Hutchinson passed away on March 25, 2021 (which was her beloved husband, Franklin’s birthday) in Hutchinson.
Dorothy was born on May 22, 1925 in New Ulm, Minnesota to Sophia (Mueller) and Herman Niebuhr of Gibbon. Dorothy was baptized, confirmed and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Gibbon, Minnesota. She graduated Salutation of her senior class from Gibbon High School.
On August 18, 1944, Dorothy was united in marriage to Franklin Burke and this marriage was blessed three children, one daughter, Marcene and two sons, Don, and Ted. They spent the majority of their life in Fernando before retiring to Hutchinson. Together they shared just over 73 years of marriage, until Franklin passed away on January 1, 2018.
Dorothy was a wonderful mother and homemaker and together with Franklin, they ran Burke’s store in Fernando. They closed the store in 1975 and welcomed their three grandchildren, Bob, Lori, and Chuck into their home.
Dorothy had fantastic taste buds which translated into the best meals! Her favorite meal to prepare was roast duck. She could also whip up the best, lightest and most delicate tasting Angel food cake. When she knew someone was coming to visit, she would make sure to have some of their favorite foods prepared just for them. We have missed her home cooked meals.
She had a magical way with all of the little ones in her life. Somehow, she could use that lovely smile and that sparkle in her beautiful brown eyes and make every child feel as if they were the most important person in the world. She could play and read to them for hours and enjoy every moment. It wasn’t about her; it was all about them. What a gift. The gift of time.
She had a love of reading and playing cards and working on jigsaw puzzles. Life became very sad and challenging for her when she started losing her vision about 12 years ago to macular degeneration and then finally becoming legally blind.
She moved to Harmony River Living Center in August of 2019. We would like to thank Jim and Barb for taking care of her and reading to her during the Covid time when her family could not be with her.
Survived by Children, Marcene Witt, Don Burke, Ted Burke (Suzanne); Grandchildren, Bob Witt (Joy), Lori Loomis (Michael), Chuck Witt (Lisa); Great-Grandchildren, Rachel Schmidt (Jake), Tara Strey (Dave), Alex and Dorothy Witt; Great-Great-Grandchildren, Sophie, Burke, Reuben, and Joey Schmidt, Cody and Amelia Strey; Brother-in-law, Wayne Burke (JoAnn). Many nieces and nephews with whom she always remembered their birthdays when the date came up even until the end.
A private family funeral is at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Fernando, south of Stewart, Minnesota for both Dorothy and Franklin with interment in the church cemetery. Military Honors by the DeGree-Fleisch American Legion Post 125 of Stewart and Great-Grandson Alex Witt performing Taps. Urn Bearers are Alex and Dorothy Witt, Sophie, Burke, Reuben and Joey Schmidt, and Cody and Amelia Strey.
Susan F Forcier says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they mourn the passing of these special people. God bless
Bonnie (Kaatz) Schmidt says
Butch, Ted, and Marcene…. so sorry for your loss but wow, what a good life!!! Our parents had so much fun together!! Laughing and playing cards. Great memories.
Lori says
Thank you for your comments! The house would roar with laughter when your folks were over playing cards! Your mom was such a hoot!
Harlan Mehlhop says
Very familiar with the Burke’s, as my parents would visit them. I can recall going to the Fernando store.
The relationship, my mother was a Niebuhr as was Dorothy maiden name. What a wonderful person she was and will be remembered.
Bless the family with wonderful memories.
Harlan Mehlhop
Lori says
Thank you for posting! It is so nice that people reach out and share stories! It is helpful during this process.
Harryjohn Niebuhr says
I always remember the store bought gloves shoes and feed there and your dad flying a plane over our farm.
Lori says
Thank you for posting! My grandparents were the people who influenced my life the most! The store was magical to me and my grandpa taught me to look at the sky and guess where the planes were flying to.?
Marv and Marlit Cuhel says
We just found out from a friend that both Franklin and Dorothy passed away. We got acquainted with them at Sr. Dining at the Evergreen Apartments. We always sat at the same table, so we really got to know them. We also visited with them on Monday nights in the summer, when there was Music in the Park. Our condolences to all of the family.
Lori says
Thank you. I miss my grandparents very much. They were in my dreams last night. They truly were very special people and are missed by our family.