Marilyn Burke

Marilyn Joyce (Rumsey) Burke, age 86, of Westby, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026. Marilyn was born on August 18, 1939, to Gerald and Hilda (Myhre) Rumsey. She grew up in Chaseburg and attended Westby High School. Marilyn met Edward Burke in front of Rudie’s Drug Store in Westby. They were married on June 1, 1957. She and Ed were married for 68 years. Marilyn and Edward were farmers all their lives until retirement. In addition to being a farmer’s wife, Marilyn became a CNA. This came in handy many times while working at home as Ed’s EMT and head nurse after his many accidents.

Marilyn was known for her Norwegian baked goods and “Scotcharoos” which she loved to share with family and friends. Marilyn created beautiful flower gardens. We all enjoyed seeing her flowers and walking through them with her. She was a member of the Westby Garden Club. She was also a member of the Westby Doll Club. She and Ed were members of the Concordia Ballroom and the local CMA. They loved to dance and spent many Sunday afternoons at the Concordia Ballroom dancing together.

Survivors include her son, Terry Burke; her daughter, Susan (Tom) Meyers; her brother, Arvid (Betty) Rumsey; her sister-in-law, Janet (Raymond) Vangen; her brother-in-law, Jerry (Kay) Burke; sister-in-law, Charlene (Jerry) Smith; and many friends and loved ones. Her spirit will live on in five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Hilda Rumsey; her husband Edward Burke on February 17, 2026; her father and mother-in-law, Melvin and Goldie Burke; her sister, Gloria (Harley) Ostrem; her brother, Larry Rumsey; sister-in-law, Shirley (Lewis) Thompson; sister-in-law, Elaine Lunde; and 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 all their wonderful care given to our mother over the past 1 ½ years. Also, thank you to St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care and service for the last six weeks.