Arletta Mae Burken, age 85, of Preston, Iowa, died Sunday, February 8, 2009, at the Alverno Care Center, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Preston with Father Paul Lippstock as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Sugar Creek. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Preston with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice in Arletta’s memory.
Arletta was born on January 17, 1924, the daughter of William S. and Ada H. (Vogel) Lovell in Ashton, Illinois. Arletta attended Ashton High School and graduated with the Class of 1941. Arletta married Edward F. Burken on January 21, 1942, in Rochelle, Illinois. Edward died on September 27, 1984.
Arletta was a homemaker who loved taking care of her family. She farmed with her husband throughout their lives. Upon retirement in 1977, Arletta and Edward moved to Preston. Arletta was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Preston. She was also a volunteer at the Preston Library for five years. Arletta enjoyed gardening and canning vegetables from her garden. Arletta had a large family and loved cooking for them. She also enjoyed playing cards, crocheting afghans and making quilts for her grandchildren. Most of all, Arletta loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Arletta is survived by seven sons; Roger (Mary) Burken of Blue Hill, Nebraska, Allan (Carline) Burken of Powell, Wyoming, Denis (Mary) Burken of Wilton, Wisconsin, Merle (Patsy) Burken of Springbrook, Iowa, Brian (Elaine) Burken of Charlotte, Iowa, Kevin (Jackie) Burken of Clinton, Iowa, and Craig Burken of Bryant, Iowa; four daughters, Linda (LeRoy) Lamp of Charlotte, Iowa, Donna (David) Hotchkiss of Eldridge, Iowa, Diane (Pat) Mullin of Goose Lake, Iowa, and Joyce (James) Rogis of Clinton, Iowa; thirty grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren.
Arletta is preceded in death by her husband, Edward; one son, Daryl Burken; one grandson, Broc Burken; and one sister, Kathryn Lovell.