Ronald Dean Burke, age 75, residing in Granger, Indiana passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018 at home. Ron was born on November 2, 1942 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Fred and Effie Burke. He was a 1960 graduate from Washington Clay High School.
On November 12, 1966 he married Mary Swanson. They were married for 39 years before her passing in 2005. They had two children, Amy Burke and Tom Burke both from South Bend.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Amy M. Burke of South Bend; his son, Tom (Margie) Burke of South Bend; one grandson, Tommy Burke of South Bend; a special friend he met after Mary’s passing, Cindy Meyer of Granger, Indiana; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Ronald) Wenzel of Mooresville, NC and Sylvia Burke of Three Rivers, MI; and several nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Effie Burke; sister Bette (Steve) Lisek; and his brother, George Burke. Ron drove a fuel truck for 52 years starting at the age of 16 with his father for Shell Oil Company.
From there, he went to work for Castlemans, Renco, Berreth, and ended his career with Rackham Oil out of LaPorte, after having to have his knee replaced. Ron was a Madison Township Lions Club member for many years as well as a past president of his club. Ron spent many years working the Maple Syrup Festival, cooking pancakes and sausage, as well cooking smoked pork chops for their Pork Chop Dinner.
Ron was also a member of the Elks Lodge 235 for many years. Ron was an avid bowler, for many years bowling two nights a week. He took his family with him on many bowling tournaments with ABC, across the United States.
Ron was a diehard fan of Notre Dame football and became an usher for many years up until his stroke in 2015. Ron loved spending time with his grandson, whether it was watching him play baseball, football or even at the racetrack on Saturday nights. He was very proud of his grandson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave. , South Bend, IN. Rev.
Charlene Allen will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-8:00pm on Monday, July 30th at the funeral home. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.
Contributions in memory of Ron Burke may be made to Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa, Suite D, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Lion’s Club International, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www. palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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