Hank Burke

It is with deep sorrow that the Burke family shares the news of the peaceful passing of William (Hank) Burke on May 28th, 2024, at San Juan Hills Healthcare Center, following a courageous nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his fight, he found strength in his unwavering faith in Christianity. Hank was born on June 18, 1952, to Bill and Mary (Ginger) Lawler Burke. He had a childhood filled with love, warmth, and hard work on the family farm in rural Coggon, Iowa. Hank graduated from North Linn High School in 1970, and in September of that same year, he bravely enlisted in the Marine Corps. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam as a machine gunner and reconnaissance scout/sniper. During one mission, the helicopter he was on was shot down behind enemy lines, but he successfully made it back to his battalion. By October 1972, he was promoted to sergeant upon his return to Camp Pendleton. After serving in the State Department at the American Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina for two years, Hank developed a strong sense of pride in his service and forged lasting friendships. It was during that time in Argentina that he crossed paths with Jane Martin, the love of his life. Their union in February 1976 was the beginning of a lifelong commitment. Upon their return to the States, Hank remained a devoted and caring husband, consistently placing his wife's needs at the forefront. Hank was a wonderful and loving father to his children and took immense pride in being a grandfather to his favorite and only granddaughter. Just prior to retiring from the Marine Corps, he pursued his Bachelor of Science in Management and graduated in March 1995. After a distinguished twenty-year career in the Marine Corps, where he was affectionately known as "Gunny Burke," he found great fulfillment in shaping young men into Marines, despite his strong dislike for running. He was known as the person who always had a positive attitude and garnered great respect from his peers. This valuable life experience played a crucial role as he embarked on the next phase of his career as a welding inspector for 13 years.

After retiring in 2008 due to an injury, Hank found great joy in dedicating his time to quality moments with his family. Hank loved hosting unforgettable backyard barbecues, where the aroma of grilled food filled the air, and he enjoyed discovering new destinations through travel. Many of us will never forget the sight of Hank patting his belly after one of his legendary backyard barbecues. He was passionate about keeping active and found joy in swimming with Jane at the San Clemente pool a few times each week. Sundays were all about family for Hank. With his trusty USMC grill apron on and a big smile, he'd welcome everyone with a cheerful "Well, Hello!" at the door. It was the highlight of the week, and we all looked forward to those special Sunday lunches.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jane; one daughter, Molly Burke (Rodriguez) & granddaughter, Celeste of Temecula; two sons, Patrick of San Clemente and Chris of San Clemente; one brother, Mick (Bev) of Walker, IA; two sisters, Janet Weekly of Walker, IA and Annette (Jerry Slattery) of Masonville, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Condolences may be sent to Jane Burke, 2402 Camino Ancla, San Clemente, CA 92673. We are truly grateful for the compassionate care and unwavering attention provided by the staff at San Juan Hills Healthcare Center. We will forever hold the memory of our time together dear, cherishing every moment spent with Hank in our hearts.

A private memorial service, invite-only, will be held at:

South Shores Church

Address: 32712 Crown Valley Pkwy

Dana Point, CA 92629

Family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues are welcome and invited to attend a celebration of Hank Burke’s life on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM-4:30.

3:00-3:30 Military Honors, Ocean Deck

3:30-4:00 Service, Worship Room

4:00-4:30 Reception, Ocean Room

Please bring a memory and/or photo of your friendship with Hank to the service so that the family can keep it for their memory book. A good joke is also welcome! After the service, there will be refreshments and gatherings.

If you would like to send flowers in his memory or condolences to his family please send them to Jane Burke, 2402 Camino Ancla, San Clemente, CA 92673.

A private interment burial, invite-only, will be held at:

Miramar National Cemetery

5795 Nobel Drive

San Diego, CA 92122

Family and colleagues are welcome and invited to attend a celebration of Hank Burke’s military life on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 2:30 PM.

We invite you to share a tribute, prayer, poem, or quote in honor of Hank. Full USMC Military Honors will take place at the church.