At age 98 years, Joseph George Burki went home to his lord on April 25, 2024, reuniting with his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Ann C. (nee Bertrand) who passed away in 2001.
Joseph was preceded by his son James (Judith) and survived by his seven children Joanne (Jeff) Axt, William (Colleen), Karen (Robert) Wenta, Charles (Mary, friend), Jon, Kurt (Kelley), Jennifer (Bernie) Esselman. Joeseph is survived by 21 grandchildren, Deanna (Eric) Mussell, Lisa Burki, Wendy (Lance) Trzebiatowski, Joseph Axt, Julia (Luke) Carrao, Jessica Axt, Jessica (Adam) Altis, Sara (Ben) Jennings, Michael Kontz, Matthew Wenta (deceased), Jacqueline Wenta, Dominic Pintarro, Sara Weinhold, Jordan (Lacey) Reynolds, Joseph (Kendall) Burki, Megan (Chris) Kelty, Samantha (Brandon) Franz, Rebecca Esselman, Casey Esselman, Elli (Ryan) Esselman, and Madeline Esselman. Joseph is survived by 30 great grandchildren, Andrew and Claire Mussell; Thomas, Michael, Robert and Anna Booker; Jocelyn and Evan Trzebiatowski; Sophie and Emma Altis; Carson Buckhouse; Claira, Emry and Milo Jennings; Johnny (Natalia), Vincent (deceased), Elisabeth Weinhold and Elena Cobian; Alton, Rose and Autumn Reynolds; Louie, Ellis and baby #3 (on the way) Kelty; Joseph Burki; Gideon, Silas, Elora and Florence Franz; Burkleigh Rodriguez. Joseph is also survived by 2 great great grandchildren, Hero and baby #2 (on the way) Weinhold.
Joseph was born April 16, 1926, in Milwaukee, WI to Edmund A. Burki and Anna (nee Schilter) who emigrated from Switzerland to the U.S. in 1907. He grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Mesmer High School. Joseph joined the Army Air Corps February 9, 1944. He was stationed at McClellan Airforce Base in CA as an Auto Equip Opr. He re-enlisted October 18, 1945, and served in the Philippines/Asiatic-Pacific Theater in photo reconnaissance and as an electrician. He was in occupied Japan and mustered out on December 30, 1946.
Joseph became an electrician and worked with his brother Eddie and father Edmund who started Burki Electric Co, which has been in business for over 80 years. He and his brother took over the business after their fathers passing. He worked for many years before retiring in November 2003 and passed the business on to his sons William and Kurt.
Joseph married his childhood sweetheart Mary Ann C. Betrand on January 26, 1946, in Salt Lake City, UT while in the army, thinking he could take her to Europe with him when he shipped out. However, the military had other plans and sent his unit to the Philippines instead, so Mary Ann returned home to await his return. They lived in Milwaukee until 1959 when they built their dream home in Menomonee Falls, where Joe lived until 2021. They raised eight children in their 3-bedroom ranch, five boys and three girls, the first arriving in 1947 and the last in 1968.
Joseph enjoyed many activities like fishing and hunting with friends and bowling and square dancing with Mary Ann. Even though raising eight children kept him busy, he found time for the St. Vincent DePaul Society, volunteering at St. James Church as a board member and acolyte, and as a very active member of The Knights of Columbus for 32 years. Joseph became a 4th Degree Knight on March 27, 2004, and an Honorary Life member in 2020. As a Knight he held many different officer positions but preferred to stay away from the top ones. His true nature was to be a volunteer and there wasn’t any better. He worked the brat fry, pancake breakfasts, tootsie roll drives and Lions Days. He was a true servant to council 10970, which is not a rank or title.
Joseph’s love of the outdoors led him, MaryAnn and their eight children on many camping adventures. They found that camping with this brood was a fun and economical way to vacation. Their many camping adventures also included the Bertrand family. They traveled to many different destinations and handed down a love of camping to their children and grandchildren.
Joseph was a loving and compassionate man dedicated to his family, church, and friends. He will be truly missed but never forgotten, his legacy will live on.
Visitation from 9:30AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM on Monday, May 13, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church, W220 N6588 Town Line Rd, Menomonee Falls, luncheon to follow at church. Burial will take place 2:00 at Sunnyside cemetery with full military honors.
