Florence K. Burke

Florence K. Burke, 94, of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2008 at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:30 A.M.on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph with Msgr. Michael Osborn officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M at Starks & Menchinger funeral home. Memorials may be made out to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools or Hospice at Home. Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so at the guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com. Florence was born on January 11, 1914 in St. Joseph, Michigan to Carl and Susan (Kowalski) Spear. She married, the former, James W. Burke on May 11, 1932 in St. Joseph. Together, they raised a son, William and a daughter, Nancy. Florence was a Co-owner of Burke Drug Company in Benton Harbor. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph and cherished her time with family and friends. Florence is survived by her children, William J. (Teresa) Burke of Stevensville, Nancy (John) Miller of Valparaiso, IN; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, James W. Burke; brothers , Julius, Vern, Chuck, and sister; Luella (Spear) Nelson.