Leo E. Burken

Leo E. Burken, of Spragueville, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at The Alverno, Clinton, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Preston, Iowa. Burial will take place in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Preston. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the church. The family requests that guests wear masks during the visitation and service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given for Prairie Hills Assisted Living.

Leo was born February 28, 1944 in Maquoketa, the son of Victor and Martha (Feller) Burken. He graduated from Northeast Goose Lake High School with the Class of 1963. Leo was enlisted in the Iowa National Guard from 1962-1965, and then the Ready Reserve until 1970.

Over the course of his life, Leo farmed in Clinton and Spragueville, Iowa. He also worked at Ralston Purina in Clinton, Eberhart Farm Center, Campbell Trucking and Kunau Implement in Preston. Leo loved farming and living on the farm. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Leo enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s school and sports events, playing cards, and took great pride in providing for his family.

Leo is survived by his children, Cheryl (Scott) Johnson of Davenport, IA, Richard (Melannie) Burken of Holdredge, NE, Joann (Kim) Peters of Charlottesville, VA, Angela Wiebenga of Fulton, IL, and Carol Burken of Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Dantley Johnson, Mallory Johnson and fiancé, Dalton Kelley, J.D. (Nicole) Burken, Hope (Vergil) Nelson, Kylie Jo Burken, Kelsy Burken, Joshua Wiebenga, Sarah Wiebenga; six brothers, Jerome (Janis) Burken of Clinton, Gene (Nancy) Burken of Miles, IA, Earl (Colleen) Burken of Clinton, David (Kathy) Burken of Clinton, Daniel (Lois) Burken of Preston, and Donald (Linda) Burken of Clinton; five sisters, Dora Meyer of Maquoketa, IA, Judy (Larry) Farrell of Clinton, Marietta Trenkamp of Clinton, Elaine (Ron) Holdgrafer of Miles, and Anna (John) Lorenzen of Bryant, IA. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Betty Burken; a brother-in-law, Elmer Miller; and many nieces and nephews.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Martha; a brother, Loren; a sister, Lois Miller; a granddaughter, Angel; a great-granddaughter, Faith; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Meyer.

With heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the compassionate, caring staff and Prairie Hills, The Alverno, and MercyOne Hospice. Thank you for the wonderful care you provided our brother, Dad and Grandpa. A memorial fund has been established and donations may be made to Prairie Hills, The Alverno and MercyOne Hospice.