"i cant believe it has been 4 rys since you have been gone ...just know that we know your watching the grandkids from up above an laughing at the silly little things they do that make us wish you were here too say something about it .... love and miss you lots .."
In loving memory of
John Paul Burkey
December 21, 1951 - March 2, 2008
John P. Burkey age 56 of Baldwin Iowa died of an apparent heart attack on Sunday morning March 22008.0 while coyote hunting in rural Jackson County Iowa.
A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday March 62008.0 from the Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa Iowa with Chaplain/Celebrant Rev. Ruth Ann Scott of Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday March 52008.0 from the Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa Iowa. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery rural Monmouth Iowa.
John Paul Burkey was born on December 21 1951 in Anamosa Iowa to Galen P. Burkey and Arlene (Folkers) Burkey. During high school John worked for the Maquoketa newspapers and graduated from Maquoketa Community High School in 1971. He married Diana L. Kucera on February 2 1974 in Bellevue Iowa.
After graduation John worked for Stouffer's in DeWitt for a couple years. In 1977 he was hired by John Deere Davenport works working as a welder for the next 30 years retiring on February 1 2007.
John was a member of the Cascade/Anamosa Coon Hunters Club and the Eden Valley Archers. He also was the co-owner of Rolin Blue Kennels. He loved to fish and was an avid turkey deer coon and coyote hunter. He enjoyed taking coon hunting trips and competition. He was known as someone who loved to talk and enjoyed visiting. He also loved his family and most especially being a grandpa.
John is survived by: his wife- Diana Burkey of Baldwin IA; sons- Alan (Michelle) Burkey of Maquoketa IA & Aron (Christine) Burkey of Maquoketa IA; 3 grandchildren- Hunter Skyler & Stacie; his mother- Arlene Burkey of Maquoketa IA; brothers- Ronald Burkey of Maquoketa IA Mike Burkey of Maquoketa IA & Gary Burkey of Maquoketa IA; & sisters- Gail Clary (Kevin Felten) of Preston IA Eileen (Steve) Orcutt of Anamosa IA Brenda (Dan) Seeley of Anamosa IA & Angela (Bob) Kennedy of Baldwin IA. He was preceded in death by his father on July 292004.0 & 2 brothers- Thomas & Larry.
A John P. Burkey Memorial Fund has been established.
Tributes
"Mrs Burkey Diane and family I was so sorry when mom told me of John's death. You all are a wonderful family and were great neighbors to my parents. I will keep you all in my prayers."
"Would like to send our condolences to Eileen and Steve and Brenda and Dan.God Bless you all."
"Gary Dennis and I are very saden by the sudden death of John. He was a very good hunter and taught Gary many safety features and that as a mother will always be remembered.May God Bless your family and may you find some peace after the shock.I can just i magine he could not wait to take the grandsons hunting.Diane you take care and let me know if there is anything we can do.Joan"
"Aron I am so sorry for your loss. My family and I sends our condolences. I wanted to come to the visitation but I have a hard time.SorryBryon"
"Having lost my husband almost 4 years ago I know what you are feeling & going thru. You have my deepest sympathy & please know that my prayers are with your family.I remember John from our old drinking days with Larry & Elaine. I also remember him being there for Elaine when she lost Larry.I knew that he & Larry were very good friends as well as car-pooling buddies.Please know that your precious loved one is at peace. Sincerly Carole"
"I was especially saddened when I heard of the passing of John. I've known him all my life since we were kids when his family was neighbors to my Grandma and Grandpa Clark. I graduated with John and will always remember the times we shot pool and talked over a beer at Joe's Pizza or the Wagon Wheel. Always liked John and though I haven't seen him in years will miss him knowing I won't have a chance to visit with him when I get back home one day. My heart goes out to John's familty and you are in my prayers."
"Diane & Al - So sorry to hear about John's death. We will always remember John for his sense of humor & his dedication to his family. Please know that we will keep the Burkey family in our thoughts & prayers."
"Alan Aron and familyWe were sorry to hear of your fathers passing. It's tough to find words that will give both of you some comfort in a such a tested moment in your lives. Just know there are many out there like us whom are thinking of you two and your family during such a difficult time. With loveStacy and Dan"
"Alan Michelle Hunter Mike and the entire Burkey Family our deepest sympathies go out to all of you. Alan your dad was terrific. He was such a joy when he would come into the store. Such a likeable and funny person with a great sense of humor!! I wish I could be there for you to help you guys out. We are praying for you and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We miss you all so much and it's times like this when we wish we could be there. God Bless you all!! The Goessling Family"
"Alan Michelle Hunter & Family~We send our deepest sympathy at this truly sad time. Take comfort in the fact that he died doing something that he really loved. You will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Ron and the entire family of John: I was taken by surprise when a friend of mine called and told me of Johns passing. It has been a few years since I have even talked to John. We did belong to the same fraternity (hunters and fishermen). Unfortunately we are now one good member short. Life in general is short and for John way too short. John has caught his last fish and shot his last arrow but his memories hover with us. It is no condolence but if John was to pick an environment to leave this world I imagine it would have been out in the field hunting. When the gun is cased for the last time it matters not how long we lived but how we lived. You all should be proud John lived his life as it should have been. If I am gifted to hunt another day I will sit up in that tree and consider it a privilege to have known John."
"I worked with John for many years. John was more than a co- worker. He became a friend to many.I am grateful he became a good friend of mine.John would always find a way to have some fun and share a few laughs.After I retired he and I kept in touch by many phone conversations and a few visits .I especially enjoyed a morning turkey hunt with him last spring.Wendy and I convey our deepest sympathy to Diana and the rest of the family.May God lay his healing hand on you now and in the days ahead.Farewell my friend. I will miss you. Brent"
"I'm very sorry for your loss. Burkey was a great guy. We go back a lot of years. He'll be missed.Crowbar"
"HelloLike to say John was a great guy.I grew up with him in school. I also worked with him at John Deere in mt.joyiowa. He was always friendlyand nice to talk with. Iam very sorryhe is gone. My God be with himand all of of you!"
"HelloLike to say John was a great guy.I grew up with him in school. I also worked with him at John Deere in mt.joyiowa. He was always friendlyand nice to talk with. Iam very sorryhe is gone. My God be with himand all of of you!"
"Wishing your family the fondest memories of John in your life. Hold on to those precious moments. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Diane- I am very sorry to hear about John's death. I wanted to come and express my sympathy but I looked at the date of his wake incorrectly. Maybe after all this is over I could meet with you to reminisce about old times and refresh on happy times. I know that just saying I am sorry doesn't fill the void you are now feeling. Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. All my love and prayers are sent to you and your boys. Take care and maybe soon- before the snow all melts we can get together for coffee or ice cream. Take care"
"I'm in Texas for the winter but wish I could be there to give you all a hug. I'm so sorry to hear about John. I know Hunter enjoyed the time he spent with his Poppa and we can be thankful he will have those memories."
"Sorry to hear of Johns passing-our thoughts are with the family at this time."
"Al Michelle Hunter & familySorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. You have our thoughts and prayers."
"DianeDenise and I were very sorry to hear about John. I haven't seen him for quite some time but remember the fun times I had doing archery competition and just getting together at his brother Ron's place to practice shoot.You are in our prayers!"
"Angie and family-Im so sorry to hear of the loss ofyour brother. I was out of state this week so I couldn't make thevistation. I just want you to knowif there is anything I can do justlet me know. Our thoughts andprayers are with you and yourfamily."
"I am very sorry for your loss."