William (Hank) Burke
William (Hank) Burke
San Clemente, CA
It is with deep sorrow that the Burke family shares the news of the peaceful passing of Hank Burke on May 28, 2024 at San Juan Hills Healthcare Center, following a courageous nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Hank was born on Jun 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, IA. Hank graduated from North Linn High School in 1970 and in September of that same year he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He competed 2 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. After returning to Camp Pendleton he was promoted to sergeant and served in the State Department at the American Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina for 2 years. During that time in Argentina he crossed paths with Jane Martin, the love of his life. Their union in February 1976 was the beginning of a lifelong commitment. Hank was a caring husband, loving father and grandfather. Prior to retiring from the Marine Corps he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, graduating in March 1995. He had a distinguished 20-year career in the Marine Corps, affectionately known as “Gunny Burke”. He found great fulfillment in shaping young men into Marines, despite his dislike of running. He always had a positive attitude and garnered great respect from his peers. This played a crucial role in the next phase of his career as a welding inspector for 13 years.
He retired in 2008 due to an injury. Hank always felt Sundays were all about family and loved hosting backyard barbeques for family & friends. He kept active by swimming with Jane at the San Clemente pool a few times each week.
He is survived by wife of 48 years, Jane, daughter Molly Burke (Rodriguez) & granddaughter, Celeste of Temecula, CA; two sons Patrick & Chris, both of San Clemente; one brother Mick (Bev) of Walker, IA; two sisters Janet Weekly of Walker, IA and Annette (Jerry) Slattery of Winthrop, IA and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Condolences may be sent to Jane Burke, 2402 Camino Ancla, San Clemente, CA 92673.