Jack Clifford Burke

Jack Clifford Burke of Marengo, IL, passed away in his home on the night of February 11, 2025, entering eternity with Jesus at the age of 77.

Born fourth out of the six children of Clifford and Marian Burke, Jack was raised on the family farm- learning to drive tractors, helping to care for the animals (which sometimes included riding pigs bareback- “Look Ma- no hands!”) and playing basketball in the hay-loft. He learned the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the satisfaction of a prank or practical joke well-played!

Jack attended grade school at nearby Riley Elementary and High School at Marengo Community High School, where he was the quarterback of the football team and Homecoming king. He graduated in 1966. He then went away to college and graduated with a Business degree from Illinois State University. Shortly afterwards, Jack was drafted into serving in the Vietnam war as an officer in the Army and was stationed in Germany.

After he returned home, he moved to Denver, Colorado and accepted a position at Hertz as a Regional Manager. It was here that he met the love of his life, Penny. They were married at the chapel just a few miles from the family farm, in Riley township, IL, and moved back to Littleton Colorado to start a family. Their children, Justin, Sarah, and Christopher were born there.

Jack loved taking his family camping every summer in up in the Rocky Mountains- with only a pickup truck, a tent, and some sleeping bags. It was a cherished adventure that the kids looked forward to every year.

In 1986, He moved his family back to his hometown of Marengo, IL and eventually took over farming the family farm. He was also known as a skilled craftsman, who always did quality remodeling work with precision and excellence. His favorite place to be was in the tractor or in the shed working on his equipment to prepare for planting or harvest.

He loved roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire out back, giving his grandkids bucket tractor rides, and eating home cooked meals- especially when it was Sunday dinner with family.

When he wasn’t planting or harvesting his crops- or busy working on his tractors, Jack worked for Riley Township helping to keep the roads safe for area residents. He has also served on the boards of Riley Cemetery and Kingston Mutual Insurance.

His days were marked by the rhythm of the seasons. Planting in spring, nurturing through summer, harvesting in the fall, and dreaming of the next cycle in winter. His farm was more than a livelihood; it was his legacy, a testament to a life lived in harmony with nature and His God.

Jack was known in the community for his generosity, principled integrity, honesty, wisdom, hard work and kindness. His quick wit and easygoing sense of humor made it a joy to be around him.

He showed his love to his kids and neighbors by helping to fix anything that needed fixing. And he had the unique ability to fix just about anything. His advice was freely given, whether it was

about the weather, soil, or life's many challenges. His tractor rides with his grandchildren were legendary, teaching them not just about farming but about life, patience, and the beauty of watching something grow.

In his later years, Jack's spirit remained vibrant. He found joy in watching his children build their own lives, his grandchildren playing in the backyard that had once been a pasture, and in the quiet moments with Penny, watching the sun set over their land.

Jack Burke left behind a legacy not measured in acres or yield but in love, hard work, family, and the enduring spirit of a man who lived simply yet profoundly.

He is survived by his wife Penny, his children, Justin Burke (Krissa), Sarah (RT) Maldaner, and Christopher (Rachelle) Burke, his grandchildren, Makayla, Trent, Kennedi, Kiala, Hudson, Autumn, Asher, Lilly, Justus, Arielle, Selah, Blaize, and Kaden. His sisters Reney Ackman, Judy (Don)Frohling, Kathy (Norm) Duesenberry, his sister in law Sue (Gerry) Burke, his brother in law Weston Courier Sr., as well as his many nieces and nephews who will carry forward his memory in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister, Peggy Courier, brother-in-law Charles Ackman, and brother Gerry Burke.

The visitation will be held at Marengo-Union Funeral Home on Saturday, February 22 from 9am to 12:00. There will be a memorial service celebrating Jack's life at the Burke Farm, starting at 1:00, followed by a gathering with some of Jack’s favorite foods- where stories and memories will be shared.