Ronald L. Burke joined his heavenly home on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at his home in Chadron, Nebraska.
Ron was born on January 17, 1942 to Freda and Roy Burke in Sand Fork, West Virginia. He graduated from Sand Fork High School in 1959. He continued his education and received his bachelors and masters of arts degrees from West Virginia University. Ron then earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Minnesota. Prior to moving to Chadron in 1987 Ron taught at Glenville State College in West Virginia and Montana State University in Bozeman. During his tenure at Chadron State College, he taught economics, finance, and various agriculture courses for 23 years.
Ron served on several committees and organizations. In 1991 he was recognized with the Nebraska State Board Teacher Excellence Award. One of his favorite assignments was student participation in the Stock Market Game and many students can still recall the “Definition of Economics.” Although teaching was his main priority, it was the personal relationships with his students that he found truly rewarding. While at the University of Minnesota he met his future bride, Mary Jane Johnson. They were united in marriage on June 14, 1969. Of this union three children were born, Andrew Dean, Robert Jason, and Melissa Fae. The most important part of his family were his wife, children and grandchildren, the loves of his life.
Ron is survived by his wife Mary; three children, Andrew Burke of Laramie, Wyoming, Robert (Jill) Burke along with their two children Kaylie and Brayden Burke of Brookings, South Dakota, Melissa Burke along with her daughter Anika Burke of Chadron, Nebraska; brother Richard (Mildred) Burke of Sand Fork, West Virginia; nieces Diane (Mike) Hatton of Sugarland, Texas, Sue Burke of Weston, West Virginia, Deana Burke of Sand Fork, West Virginia and several great nieces and nephews.
Ron is preceded in death by his mother Freda B. Brown Burke, father Roy H. Burke, brothers Robert H. Burke and Billy B. Burke; nephews Andrew and Matthew McHenry.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 12, 2021 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Chadron, Nebraska at 10:00 am. A visitation will also be held Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church from 5:00-7:00 pm.
A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of
Chamberlain Chapel, PO BOX 970, CHADRON, NE 69337.
Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.