Edward Gerald Burke

Edward Gerald Burke, age 77, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021, at his home in Watertown, SD, under hospice care and surrounded by his family. A Memorial visitation will be held at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel on Thursday, June 17, from 4-7 p.m.

Edward was born on November 11, 1943, in Rapid City, SD, to Gerald and Hazel (Seaton) Burke of Owanka, SD. Since his dad was a section foreman for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, his family moved several times as branch lines were abandoned. They lived in Owanka, Salem, Iroquois, Groton, Pierre and Carthage, where Edward graduated from high school in 1961.

He studied electronics at the Dunwoodie College of Technology, Minneapolis, MN, and television repair at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD. Over the years he worked for Flying Tigers, in Chicago, IL, and Roller Blade, Inc. in MN, he also ran the Avenue Arcade Bar in Huron, SD. In his later years, Edward provided daycare for his three grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed attending auctions and was interested in genealogy.

Edward married Karen Buchheim, daughter of Harold and Irene Buchheim of Oldham, SD, on July 29, 1972.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; daughters, Kellie (Jim) Christensen and Kelsie Burke, all of Watertown, SD; son, Gerald, Mankato, MN; brother, Allan (Leah) Burke of Linton, ND; grandchildren, Maercedes, Lexus and Alex Christensen, Watertown, SD; Karen’s sisters and their spouses, Connie (Daniel) Stevens of Huron, SD, and Karla (Steve) Wess, Watertown, SD; and his nieces and nephews.

Edward was preceded in death by, his parents; Karen’s parents; and one brother-in-law, Merle Buchheim.

The family would like to give special thanks to Prairie Lakes Hospice.

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