Thomas Burke II
Thomas F. “Tom” Burke II, 77, Edgar died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born December 9, 1945, in Richland Center, son of the late Thomas and Marie (Nicks) Burke. Tom married the love of his life, Jean Sonnentag, on September 3, 1966, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Edgar.
Tom worked at Marathon Cheese for 34 years, first as a truck driver, and was well known as “The Blue Goose” and retired from the maintenance department. Tom took much pride in maintaining the Edgar cemetery for more than 31 years. A great listener, Tom would help anyone who needed it. His smile was contagious, and he had the most positive outlook on life.
Tom always greeted people with a firm handshake, a hug or even a kiss. Some of his favorite pastimes included watching the Brewers, Bucks, Packers and the Edgar Wildcats. Tom loved to support his grandchildren at all their school events. He enjoyed deer hunting with his brother-in-law, Jerry, and his nephews, the Michlig Boys. He enjoyed camping with family and friends and attending and participating in antique tractor pulls.
Tom was a veteran of the United States Army in the 611th Ordnance during the Vietnam war. He was proud to have taken a trip on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight this past year. Tom was a respected member of the Edgar VFW Post 10187. He was dedicated to raising the flag at the local football games and being a part of the military guard in the local parades. Participating in military honors at many events, Tom also volunteered his time on countless occasions.
He was an usher and a eucharistic minister for his church. Tom fried fish for the Lenten fish fries and in the summers cooked burgers at the church’s hamburger stand.
Tom was a thoughtful and caring soul that always put others before himself. He was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He leaves behind many who loved him and whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Always upbeat no matter what kind of day he was having, Tom will long be remembered for his outgoing personality and cheery disposition.
Survivors include his loving wife, Jean Burke, Edgar; his children: Thomas (Heather Duesselmann) Burke III, Rib Mountain, Joseph (Tiffany) Burke, Edgar and Amanda (Nathan) Albrecht, Edgar; 10 grandchildren: Isabella D’Burke (Tyler Hudson), William D’Burke, Brody, Rachel Ann and McKinley Burke and Taylor, Halle, Parker, Marshall and Evelyn Albrecht; his siblings: Mary Drexler, Stratford, and His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke, Rome; brother-in-law, Charles Louis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel Burke; his brothers: Patrick and John (Ann) Burke; his sister, Rita Louis; his nephew, Marlin Sonnentag; his mother and father in-law, Lillian and Jerome Sonnentag, and his brothers-in-law: James Drexler, Leo Michig and Gary Brusky.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass all at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 8 p.m. Monday evening at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Paid obituary 130389
