THOMAS BURKE

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Thomas S. Burke, 72, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the University of Iowa surrounded by his family.

Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Pastor Cindy Axtell will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gene Morris, James Allen, Travis Benefiel, Mark Culp, Kyle Morris, and Kyndle Allen. Honorary pallbearer will be Christopher Roush.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made in Thomas’ honor to his wife, Mary Burke. Online Condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com

Tom was born on January 30, 1953, in Muscatine, IA, the son of James and Betty Kincaid Burke Sr. He married Mary Bashore on July 29th, 1983, in Muscatine, IA. Tom and Mary Burke enjoyed 42 beautiful years of marriage. Tom lit up every room he entered with a contagious smile and playful sense of humor. Anyone who has visited him would be unable to say they left without a laugh. He was confident, unapologetically himself, and unafraid to shine his light. He was a great mentor to his children and family. Tom was an avid music lover, a trait he has passed down to his children and grandchildren. There was never a dull moment around him as he would spontaneously burst into song. Tom was actively involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren attending any events they participated in. Quality time with his family was very important to him.

Tom graduated from Muscatine High School in 1971. He was active in football, baseball, wrestling, and enjoyed singing. He had many friendships that have lasted a lifetime. He attended class reunions every year when able. Tom had many hobbies and interests including but not limited to: singing, boating, various sports (softball, baseball, and football), camping, fishing, traveling, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, Bears, and Chicago Cubs, skiing, and bowling. Tom participated in an annual bowling league for many years. Tom had a strong work ethic. He retired from GPC at the age of 50 years old, after 30 years of service.

Tom was a member of Musserville United Methodist Church. He was passionate about his love for the Lord and instilled strong values within his family. He was a strong spiritual leader and read daily devotional with them.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary “Hun Bun” Burke; one son, Christopher “Chris-Toffer” Roush; three daughters, Natalie “Natchawee” Allen (James “Slim Jim” Allen), Shannon “Shancey” Morris (Gene “Gene Gene Made a Machine” Morris), Tamara “Big Tams” Burke; grandchildren, Journee, Lydia, Elias, Travis Benefiel (Abby Benefiel), Kayla “Kayla Wayla” (Zach), Melanie “Mel Mel”, Meranda (Justin), Elexys “Lexer Cat”, Kyndle “Kinno”, Nyvaeh “Nyver Nyv”, Aviva “Viva Weeva”, Mekenzee “Kenz-Boogenz”, Riley “Big Big O”, Kyle “Ky Man”, Addalyn “Addy”, Sandra “Sandy-ruh”, Lillian “my lily pad”, Mark “Marky Warky the Farky”, Layla “Layla Girl”, Lana “Lana Turner Hurricane Girl”; great-grandchildren, Lara, Leah, Lindi, Finn, Eleanor, Anastasia, Violet, Lovelyn, Roslyn, Esther, and great grandson due in 2026; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents James Burke Sr. and Betty Burke; brothers, James, Danny, and Brian Burke; daughter and son in law, Rachel “Rach” and Alex Shoppa; nephew, Nathan Burke; grandson, Quentyn Allen.