John Burke Memorial

John "Bones" Michael Burke was born in Chicago on February 5,  1958, to Thomas and Lorraine Burke.  John passed away April 15, 2024.  The Burke family moved to Custer in 1972 and it quickly became "Home".  John loved the hills, the community and made many lasting friendships that he cherished.   He graduated in 1976 from Custer High School.  John was going to school in FL to become an electrician when he found out that his brother Mark was in an accident.  He dropped everything to come back to Custer to be Mark's primary care provider for 32 years.  Mark's life expectancy exceeded everyone's expectations due to the exceptional care and love he gave his brother.  John also worked during this time as a land surveyor.  John was an avid Sports fan, but his true love was the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs and Blackhawks.  He supported his teams daily with logoed merchandise.

John had a great sense of humor and an unforgettable smirk while throwing in some puns or jokes.  He had a heart of gold and taught us all what it meant to truly be there for each other.

John's biggest pride and joy was his daughter, Michelle.  His face lit up like a Christmas tree when talking about her.  Although they did not discover each other until late in life, getting to know her was one of his greatest joys.

John will be greatly missed and his compassion and love for family will continue to be an example for all of us.

John is preceded in death by father Thomas Burke, Mother Lorraine Burke Beachler, sister Joyce Satterfield, brothers Patrick and Mark Burke, sister-in-law Lynette Burke and nephew Justin Burke.

Surviving relatives: daughter Michelle Chase, son-in-law Robert Baily (Rapid City), brother Thomas Burke (Custer), sisters Kathaleen Asad (Doug) Forest IL and Mary Maiden (Todd) Rapid City, and many nieces and nephews who love him dearly.

Christian Funeral Vigil will be held 7:00 P.M., Thursday, April 25, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer, SD.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 A.M., Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer, SD, followed by Christian Funeral Committal at Custer Cemetery in Custer, SD.