Jack passed away September 30, 2013 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, with his family by his side. He was born September 9, 1937, in Detroit, the son of Walter and Evelyn (Holt) Burke. Jack was employed by Welch's in Lawton until his retirement in 1995. In his spare time he was an owner and driver of stock car and dwarf car racing.
On September 16, 1955 in Kalamazoo, Jack was united in marriage to Judith Kintner, who survives. Also surviving are five children, Rhonda (Charlie) Johnson of Marcellus, Kevin (Carol) Burke of Kalamazoo, Kim (Tim) Burke of Bristol, IN, Jack (Melanie) Burke of Gobles and Jerilyn (Jim) Buchino of Hickory Corners; daughter-in-law, Karen Burke of Portage; 27 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; five siblings, Sandra (John) Burgess of Richland, David (Sue) Burke of Vicksburg, Linda Burke of Kalamazoo, Jill (Tom) Elyea of Portage and Terry (John) Nelson of Plainwell; cousins Gail (Mike) Galbreath of Kalamazoo; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Mike and David, and two grandsons.
Family will receive friends Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. at the Oakwood Bible Church, 4100 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, with funeral services at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Greater Kalamazoo Youth for Christ.