Marie Rosella Burke

Marie Rosella Burke, 91, passed away February 4, 2017 at Hodgeman Co. Long-term Care in Jetmore. She was born on November 8, 1925 in Spearville, the daughter of Joseph and Kunigunda (Bogner) VanNahmen.

Marie graduated from Spearville High School in 1942 and went to work in Wichita at Farm Credit. She married Leo V. Burke on September 5, 1945 in Spearville. Marie took over from her husband Leo as Hodgeman Co. Commissioner in 1976 and was then re-elected for a 4 year term. She moved from the farm to Spearville in 1983 and ran Plant Palace for several years.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband Leo; grandson Kelly; daughter-in-law Teresa; great grandson Jamison; sisters Evelyn Huoni and Arlene Dulea; and brother Sylvester VanNahmen.

Survivors include sons Jim (Marilyn) Burke of Wright, Mike (Jeanie) Burke of Hanston, Steve (Linda) Burke of Jetmore, and Pat (Joyce) Burke of rural Kinsley; daughter Peggy (Roger) Burdick of Dodge City; sister Louise Shinogle of Wichita; 16 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

Funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Wednesday February 8, 2017 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hodgeman County at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Tuesday February 7, 2017 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Vigil Service will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Tuesday February 7, 2017 at 7:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Hodgeman Co. Longterm Care, Parkview of Spearville, St. Mary’s Cemetery Fund, or masses in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.