Ervin (Erv) Leroy Burke, 70, of Huxley, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.
A funeral service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, Iowa, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Zech Anderson officiating.
Visitation will occur prior to the service from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the church on Saturday.
Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson, IA.
Erv was born on August 25, 1954, in Charles City, Iowa, to Edward and Maxine (Myers) Burke. He grew up in Rockford and graduated from Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School in 1972.
On July 31, 1982, Erv married his best friend, Jane Sill, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, Iowa. After high school, he worked at John Deere and Colgate, and he and Jane spent ten years in the Kansas City area before returning to Iowa in 1993. They settled in Ottumwa, where Erv and Jane owned and managed three laundromats for 23 years. During his years in Ottumwa, Erv was a member of First Lutheran Church. In 2016, they moved to Plymouth, Minnesota, before returning to Iowa in 2022, making their home in Huxley.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Erv’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. Erv was a very generous man and always took care of the ones he loved. All of his grandchildren lovingly referred to him as “Pops,” a name that perfectly captured his warmth, playfulness, and deep love for them. His grandchildren meant the world to him—he loved having them sit in his lap in his recliner, snuggling them close while watching TV. He loved spoiling them with gifts and always had Hershey’s chocolate bars ready to share. His presence brought joy to those around him, and he cherished every moment spent with his family.
He was a passionate fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers and enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He especially loved traveling to Iowa Hawkeye bowl games with his son, creating lasting memories cheering on their team together. He loved fishing and boating, especially on family trips to the lake and fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada with Jane. In recent years, Jane and Erv also enjoyed vacationing in San Diego and Arizona, embracing new adventures and making special memories together.
Those thankful in sharing Erv’s life include his wife of 42 years, Jane; his children: Jill (Dan) Ring of Grimes, IA; Jodi (Ryan) Jardon of Ankeny, IA; Jenna (Loren) Bouchard of Huxley, IA; and Todd Burke of Ankeny, IA. He was a proud grandfather to Macy and Brinley Ring, Piper and Eli Jardon, and Jake and Tyler Bouchard. He is also survived by his siblings, Marilou, Mike, Ellen, Robert, and Kristi, as well as 16 nieces and nephews.
Erv was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Maxine Burke, and his brother, Steven Burke.
Erv will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His love for his family, strong work ethic, and kind spirit will be remembered forever.
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