Born Feb. 18, 1920 in Peoria to Wilbur D. and Florence E. (Baker) Burk, he married Camilla M. Wagner on Sept. 20, 1941 in Peoria at St. Boniface Church. She survives.
He was preceded in death by one son, Duane L. Burk; his parents; two brothers, Don and Dale Burk; and one sister, Arlene Schwartz.
Surviving are 9 children, David L. (Marge) Burk, Becky (Larry) Russell, Kathy (Leonard) Borneman, Kristy (Norman) Astwood, Janice Burk, Janet Greenleaf, Michael G. Burk, Dianne (Steven) Larson, and Denis J. (Michelle Wang) Burk; daughter in law, Judy Burk; 28 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jerry (Pat) Burk.
Before retirement in 1982, Wilbur worked for Caterpillar Inc. as a time study engineer, and at Szolds Department Store in various part-time positions.
He was a member of St. Monica’s parish in East Peoria, participating in several activities of the church.
He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus for 65 years starting out in Spalding council 0206 and transferred to Msgr. Gryzbowski Council when he moved to East Peoria attaining the 4th Degree Level. He was designated as Knight of the year and selected by his council as Knight of Knights in 1994, a district-wide honor.
He enjoyed square dancing, bowling, playing cards, fishing, golfing, Cardinal baseball and traveling, becoming a world-wide traveler after retirement.
He also enjoyed volunteering with therapy for handicapped people, driving cancer patients, reading to first graders, donating blood, organizing and running the St. Monica’s Food Program for many years, and volunteering at St. Francis Hospital. He received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for 40,000 + hours of public service and in 1996 the WPEO “Volunteer of the Year” award.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 18, from 4pm to 7pm, at St. Monica’s Church with further visitation from 9am to 10am Tuesday at St. Monica’s. Funeral Mass will be at 10am Tuesday at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 303 Campanile Dr., East Peoria, IL. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Monica’s Church Food Program, the OSF Hospice Program, or to a charity of your choice.
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