Beverly LaVerne Burke, 87, of Oelwein, IA went to be with the Lord on November 8, 2016 while a resident of Arlington Place in Oelwein.  Beverly gave as generously in death, as she did in life by donating her body for the benefit of science at the University of Iowa.  Memorial services will begin at 11 AM on Monday November 14, 2016 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home with Deacon Jim Patera officiating.  Interment will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Hazleton.  Memorials may be directed to Hospice & Palliative Care Compassus: 4505 Chadwick Rd. Cedar Falls, IA 50613.

Bev was born October 27, 1929 in Oelwein to LaVern and Bernice Warthan.  Bev met the love of her life, Leonard (Bud) Burke and married December 28, 1948 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein.  They farmed for nine years and moved to Dubuque in 1960.  Bev worked for Crescent Electric, Brown Publishing, and then Senior and Hempstead High Schools in Dubuque for 15 years.

Following retirement, Bev & Bud enjoyed traveling and loved living in Florida during the winter months.  Bev always put her family first and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Bev also enjoyed playing the piano, crocheting, and made afghans for all her children and grandchildren.

Bev & Bud were married 67 years and had three children, Leonard Jr. (Kaye) Burke of Marshalltown, Virginia (Edward) Carr of Johnstown, CO, Robert (Linda) Burke of Pagosa Springs, CO; four grandchildren, Gretchen Carlsen, Shawna Cooper, Emry Carr,  Alicia Terry; and seven great grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Bud Burke; her children; brothers Sonny Warthan and Dave (Vickie) Warthan; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Mardell Walker.  

Beverly’s family would like to express their gratitude to all who supported her and the family during her illness, including relatives, friends, neighbors, all the staff at Arlington Place and Hospice & Palliative Care Compassus.