Edward Burke

Edward Burke, age 90, of Westby, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Edward was born on January 20, 1936, to Melvin and Goldie Burke. He grew up on his parents’ farm south of Westby. Edward met Marilyn Rumsey in front of Rudie’s Drug Store in Westby. They were married on June 1, 1957. He and Marilyn were married for 68 years. They were farmers all of their life raising tobacco and milking cows. After they sold the cows, they stayed on the farm enjoying their retirement. Ed and Mary were members of the Concordia Ballroom and loved to go dancing. They also loved to go visiting their friends and neighbors and going to Culver’s.

Edward is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his son, Terry Burke; his daughter, Susan (Tom) Meyers; his sister, Janet Vangen; his brother, Jerry (Kay) Burke; his sister, Charlene (Jerry) Smith; his brother-in-law, Arvid (Betty) Rumsey; and many friends and loved ones. His spirit will live on in five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Goldie Burke; his father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Hilda Rumsey; his sister, Shirley (Lewis) Thompson; his brother-in-law, Raymond Vangen; his sister, Elaine Lunde; his sister-in-law, Gloria (Harley) Ostrem; his brother-in-law, Larry Rumsey; and his nephew, John Vangen.

Memorials may be given to the Country Coon Prairie Church Preservation or a charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Alyssa Weaver will officiate. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow at the church. Private burial will be held at a later date at Country Coon Prairie Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Norseland Nursing Home for their wonderful care given to our father over the last 1.5 years. Also, thank you to St. Croix Hospice for caring for him in his final days.