Mark E. Burke, 61, of Custer, SD, passed away on May 4, 2017, at the Custer Regional Hospital in Custer.

Mark was born in Chicago, IL, on August 20, 1955, to Thomas and Lorraine Burke (Beachler). He was one of seven children. After Thomas passed away and shortly before Mark's senior year, Lorraine moved the family to Custer, for a new beginning. While attending Custer High School, Mark's vibrant personality and athleticism stood out right away. Mark participated in football, basketball and track. A prime example of Mark's personality was on full display, when three weeks into his senior year, as the new kid on the block, he was elected to the homecoming royalty and scored the winning touchdown.

Upon completion of high school, Mark worked for the railroad up until his accident at the young age of 24, which left him a quadriplegic. This was an unfortunate event for Mark, but once again he dug deep into his inner strength and positive personality to make the best of it. He was a quad for 37 years and instead of wasting time questioning why? He was thankful for a second chance in life and to have the opportunity to see nieces and nephews born and other family events. Family was everything to Mark and he was everything to his family. The 37 years far exceeds the life expectancy of a quad and this is 100% contributed to the care that he received from his brothers, John and Tom, and the love that surrounded him from other family members and friends. Mark always credited John, whom was his best friend, brother and primary care giver, for his extended life on earth and his enhanced quality of life.

Besides family, Marks favorite pastime was watching any sports team from Chicago. In his lifetime, he got to witness the Bears super bowl victory, Bulls run of 6 championships, Blackhawks Stanley Cup wins and last but not least the Cubbies drought of 108 years ended.

Mark's "Smiling Irish eyes" and his distinct laugh would light up any room. Mark's personality shined until the very end as he was in the hospital surrounded by family members. His eyes lit up as multiple phone calls and face time conversations with nieces, nephews and other family members kept pouring in. He is now in a better place, once again able to run freely and watch over the many people he impacted. We love you Mark and you will be greatly missed.

Mark is survived by his mother, Lorraine Burke-Beachler of Custer; sister, Kathy (Doug) Asad of Chicago, IL; brothers, Tom and John Burke of Custer; sister, Mary (Todd) Maiden of Rapid City; as well as several nephews, nieces and extended family members.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Burke; brother, Patrick Burke; sister, Joyce Burke Satterfield; sister-in-law, Lynette Burke Reindl and nephew, Justin Burke.

A vigil will be held 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 11, 2017, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2017, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer, with Fr. Grant Gerlach officiating. Interment will follow at the Custer Cemetery in Custer.