William Burke

MSGT William Burke U.S.A.F. Ret.

A graveside service will held at 1pm, Friday, July 22, 2011 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery for MSGT William Burke, 90, who passed away Sunday, July 10, 2011 at Roswell Regional Hospital. A viewing will be held Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Ballard Funeral Home.

William was born July 24, 1920 to William Patrick and Marie Burke in Wausau, Wisconsin. He is preceded in death by his parents, his former wife, Mildred Burke and one brother, Robert Earl Burke.

He is survived by his nephew, Michael Burke and Angie of KS, three great nephews, Chris Burke and Jen of OR, Robert Burke of Nevada and Jacob Burke of KS one greatgreat niece, Emma Grace Burke of OR his sisterinlaw, Arlene Burke of WI.
William graduated High School in Eland, WI in 1938. He moved to CA, where he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad in the Siskiyou Mts. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp, becoming a Tail Gunner in B17s with the 91st Bomb Group 324th Squadron. After 25 missions over France and Germany the entire crew was transferred to the 482nd Bomb Group 813th Squadron. Known as the Pathfinders, the crew then led missions using radar until the end of the War in Europe. The most note able award received was the Purple Heart Award for Combat Injuries. Following the war he settled in South Milwaukee, WI where he went to work for the Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery in many positions, retiring as Quality Control Supervisor. He also continued serving in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, where he served as an Armorer. In retirement he got tired of the Wisconsin winters and in 1988 he moved to Roswell where he lived until he was called home.

We will all miss him, he is both a family hero and one of our Nations Heroes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com .

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, July 21, 2011
6:00 to 7:00 pm

Service

Graveside Service

Ft. Bliss National Cemetery
5200 Fred Wilson Blvd.
El Paso, TX  79906
Friday, July 22, 2011
1:00 pm

Cemetery

Ft. Bliss National Cemetery
5200 Fred Wilson Blvd
El Paso, TX  79906