- Burke, Elda Matilda (nee Jandt) Appleton - Elda passed away Sunday morning, March 4, 2007, following a productive life. She was born September 12, 1918, in Peshtigo to the late John and Esther (Wagner) Jandt. Many of her values, work ethic and skills were learned on the family farm in rural Peshtigo, WI, and were inspired by the Harmony 4-H Club. Elda graduated from UW-Madison in 1940. She was employed by Kimberly-Clark Corp. in Neenah for several years and then married Joseph Burke in 1943. After spending several years farming, they became owner/operators of Burke's IGA in North Bristol, near Sun Prairie, WI, for 14 years. As times changed, they moved to Appleton where Elda took a position as UW-Extension County Agent, followed by several years of teaching sewing classes. During this time she became an active member of Altrusa International and continued her service for over 25 years. During the 7 years she was Joe's caretaker, following his tragic auto accident, she was known as "The Sweatshirt Lady," providing appliqued fashions to thousands of people. After Joe's death in 1988, Elda joined the "Y" Women's Health Club and numerous traveling groups. She fulfilled her love of travel, taking her to all continents, with a grand collection of refrigerator magnets as daily reminders of her travels.
Elda was an active volunteer for the RSVP Senior Corps, earning a "Presidents Award" for volunteerism from President Bush. She was also a charter volunteer for Appleton's Harbor House women's shelter, serving for many years. Elda was spiritual and giving, although not an active member of St. Therese Parish in Appleton, she put love and heart into all she did. Her ashes will rest beside her beloved Joe at Riverside Cemetery in Peshtigo.
She is survived by her son, John Burke in the Northwest; and her granddaughter, Lisa (Joe) Graham, and their children; Elda's great-grandchildren: Teri, Logan, and Hannah, Livingston, LA; Elda's daughter, Kathleen (Ken) Heili, Appleton; grandson Eric (Diane) Pfeffer, Appleton; with step great-grandchildren: Logan, Orion, and Calypso Schroeder; Ken's son, Brian (Tammy) Heili, and their sons Jacob and Joshua, Manitowoc; two sisters-in-law: Mae Bates and Doris Feher; two brothers-in-law: Roland (Harriet) Demeuse and Thomas (Eleanor) Burke and their children David (Diana Coffee) Burke, Margaret (Vic) Wenzel, and Christine (Ken) Havel; two nieces: Beverly Burke and Phyllis (Richard) Schmidt.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Joseph T. Burke; her sister, Ruth Demeuse; her brothers: John, Robert and David and his wife Marjorie. Also deceased are Mary Jane Burke, Alex MacKenzie, Margaurite Burke MacKenzie, John "Jack" and Lula Burke.
A Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer Funeral Chapel with the Rev. William Hoffman officiating. Friends may call at the funeral chapel from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Peshtigo.
Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer
606 N. Oneida St.
Appleton 733-7383
www.btlfuneral.com
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1918 - 2007 (88 years)
Obituary
