Timothy Burke

Timothy Burke, age 66, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Saints John and Catherine Catholic Church in Mt. Carroll. Cremation rites have been accorded.
Tim was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 31, 1948, the son of James and Marion (O’ Connor) Burke. He attended Tuley High School in Chicago and graduated with the Class of 1966. Tim honorably served his country in the United States Army as a Combat Medic during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971. He worked for the Jewel Distribution Center in Melrose Park, Illinois and retired in 2006. On November 6, 1982, Tim married the love of his life Luanne Roggatz in Chicago. Luanne passed away September 28, 2012.
Tim was a devout Catholic and never passed an opportunity to speak about his faith with others. He enjoyed reading about Catholicism and discussing the Bible. Theology and philosophy were favorite topics of conversation. He had an unwavering faith and took great comfort in the love of Jesus. Tim was generous and gave freely to charity and family and friends in need.
Tim was an artist and painting was a lifelong pursuit as was playing the guitar. He loved to be creative and was happiest when he was able to share his passion of art and music with his family and friends. The Beatles were his favorite band and he had a fondness for Gibson guitars. Tim would always be excited to visit the museums in Chicago, in particular the art museum. He was always looking at the world through the lens of an artist and would often comment on what would be a great scene for a painting.
Tim loved animals, especially dogs, and would fondly recall stories of George the Dalmation, one of his childhood dogs. He regularly fed the birds and squirrels and loved doting on his pets. He was happy to be curled up with his two cats or out at the park walking the dog. He was great with children and would always make time for his kids, nephews and nieces, and his grandchildren.
Tim was a science fiction fan since first watching Star Trek as a kid. He loved to make others laugh, especially his wife, Luanne. He liked keeping up on technology and enjoyed playing cards and games at family gatherings. Tim was a good man, a hard worker, never hesitated to sacrifice for his family, and always tried to help others. He always stressed the importance of faith and family.
Tim will be dearly missed by his four children, Daniel Burke of Mt. Carroll, Jocelyn (John) Douglas of Lexington, Kentucky, Valerie Sorensen of Roselle, Illinois and Martin Yurek of Chicago; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two sisters, Sheila (Jack) Arends of Chicago, Kathleen (Tom) Heraty of Chicago and a sister in-law, Pam (Nick) Naples of Mt. Carroll. Tim is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and a brother, John Burke.