John Burke

Feb 12, 2022 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2022 | 2 comments

To know John was to quickly learn he was born a triplet in Kansas City, MO on June 17, 1933 the same day as the Union Station massacre. Anticipating the birth of one girl resulted in three tiny boys for Jerome & Anne Burke, Jerome, Joseph and John.

Dad liked to be called Grumpy after his favorite childhood Seven Dwarf, but in reality, he was always happy. Encountering John Burke in any situation made you smile and usually laugh.

He attended St. Elizabeth Grade School and graduated with the Rockhurst High School class of 1950. A summer job at Old American Insurance led him to his lovely wife, Marilyn Boisvert. They were married in 1956. He proudly served his country in the Coast Guard on the USS Bibb with his triplet brother Joe, and many lifelong friends. Later he took classes at Rockhurst College on the GI bill.

After his Coast Guard discharge John operated Burke Travel in downtown Kansas City Kansas with Marilyn. They were later joined by children, and many longtime travel advisors they loved like family. He retired from the business in 2019. During his decades long travel career, he had the opportunity to see the world, usually with his family. John was active in the Kansas City SKAL Club and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), serving as Missouri Valley President.

Dad enjoyed his family above all, and his faith was deep. For over 60 years he was active at

St. Pius X parish, and gave his enthusiasm to many ministries. He left behind many worn out, marked up, and paper clipped prayer books. Though the love of his life, Marilyn, passed away in 1992, he carried on bravely without her.

Grumpy is survived by his four children Robert Burke (Jill Connors), Timothy Burke (Sherri), Elizabeth Burke (Sharon Skaggs), Jane Kelling (David); grandchildren Timothy Burke Jr (Kasey), Andrew Kelling, Nicholas Kelling, Patrick Kelling; great grandchildren Charlie and Olivia Burke; triplet brother, Joseph (Reta); sister-in-law Kay Burke and many friends, nieces and nephews

John is preceded in death by his parents Jerome and Anne McGee Burke; triplet brother Jerome, sister Virginia (John) Kopp; brothers Eddie (Shirley) and Tommy (Dottie) Reardon.

Dad’s family is very grateful to the loving caregivers of Bickford Mission Springs and Ascend Hospice. Their many kindnesses smoothed dad’s journey through two trying years.

Services will be held at St Pius X Catholic Church Mission KS on Saturday February 19, 2022. Visitation will be held from 9:30am-10:30am we will pray the Rosary at 10:30am, a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am

Memorial contributions to St Pius X Church are welcome. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.

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Kevin Lutz

1 year ago

So sad to read this. Mr Burke was such a nice man. Always and I mean always John Burke had a smile on his face. Cheers for a life well lived.
Bob, Tim, Liz, and Jane we offer our condolences. Your dad certainly made a difference

Barbara Schrader

1 year ago

Mr Burke
U and your family enabled my mom, me and so many to experience the world anew. The effect long after the old falling apart albums and stickiness gone for photos. The effect on the heart is timeless if one allows. Burke travel, ambassadors for the world ?. You came into that world ? with a bang on the massacre and as a triplet. Y’all tripled pop at once. You heard God say good and faithful servant come and now again free well to joke laugh dance ? with Anne and gang. Just in time to be heaven’s leprechaun ? after the valentine dance and serenade on a light ? that never sets with moon. Just Son.

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

"Thank you so much for the wonderful help you have been to our family. You met and exceeded our wishes"

Bukeka and Makeda

"You gave us the personal attention that we needed during the process. Thank you for going the extra step for us"

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"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

"Thank you so much for coordinating my mom's funeral. You could not have been more respectful and empathetic"

Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

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