Bernard "Buddy" Rudolph Burk

Buddy was born in Round Rock on June 24, 1937 to Rudolph Carl and Rosie Emmlyn (Peterson) Burk and baptized on February 1, 1938 at Palm Valley Lutheran Church where he was an active member. He spent most of his childhood in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Travis High School in 1955 where he played football and baseball. Those sports continued to be his focus when he attended Texas Lutheran College in Seguin and the University of Texas at Austin.

He then moved on to study mortuary science at the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, Texas where he graduated in 1959. This led to a lifelong career as a well-respected funeral director and mortician starting in Austin, Texas, then continuing in Belton, Temple, Lampasas and in Killeen where he ventured as co-owner to build and operate a new funeral home. He returned to Austin where he continued working for several years before he retired.

Buddy was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Uncle, Great Uncle, and friend. From an early age, he demonstrated a natural inclination for compassion and service. A man of deep kindness, integrity, and generosity, Buddy was known for his patient and understanding nature.

In addition to his professional accomplishments and cherished family life, Buddy found joy and passion for sports, hunting, fishing and model trains. He was a founding member of the Centra-Mod train club where he coordinated the first Temple Train Festival.

Buddy served as a Master Mason for over fifty years, was an active member of the Kiwanis in Temple and in Austin and was honored to serve as a Stephen Minister in Round Rock.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sallie Rosalie (Snedecor), daughter Linda Gay Mock (Brad) of Leander TX, son Brian David (Karen) of Round Rock TX, Granddaughter Holly Anne Schuman (Adrian) of Tyler TX, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Nancy Carrol Eichelmann (Oscar), Marion Lucille Blackwell (George), and Barbara Jean Fitzgerald (Bernie). His first Great-Grandson, Oliver David Schuman, tragically passed away on May 28, 2026. We are comforted by the belief that Buddy was there to meet him in heaven and will continue to watch over him for eternity.

Pastor Dave Koppel of Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock TX will officiate at the funeral and interment services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the church.

The family offers special thanks to Stacey Eisenberg and the caregivers at A Place at Home North Austin for their kind, compassionate care and to Gilead Hospice for their caring support during Buddy’s final days.