"We are grateful that we got to know Dee when we moved to Madison five years ago. Her spirit and kindness were a light to us, and the example of her faith and courage a source of strength for others. May she know peace, light and rest with God and may her family and friends find comfort and support with one another at this time of letting her go to her eternal home. Michael Dodd and Tom Scharbach"
In loving memory of
Dianne Katherine Burke
March 12, 1942 - November 2, 2019
Sun Prairie
Dianne Katherine Burke, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family, on Saturday, November 2, 2019. She was born on March 12, 1942, in Washington D.C., the daughter to John and Virginia (Neary) Morton. She was united in marriage to Dennis P. Burke on October 15, 2005, in Oregon.
Dianne was a graduate of Antigo High School and St. Mary's School of Nursing. Dianne loved being a nurse, especially with kids. She worked for over 20 years as a pediatric nurse at Dean Clinic and helped develop an AODA counseling program for at risk teens. She also worked as a home health nurse, taking care of special needs children and then later for Agrace HospiceCare. Dianne enjoyed volunteering at the Colonial Club Adult Day Care and Agrace HospiceCare Thrift Store and was passionate about cancer research and other health care initiatives. She also enjoyed making jewelry, riding her bike, piano playing and gardening. Her most cherished times were with her family.
Dianne is survived by her husband Dennis; her son Michael (Kathleen) Freye; step daughter Cindy (Jeff) Town, stepson Brian (Missy) Burke; grandchildren Molly Freye, Peter Freye, Brooke (Brent) Forman, Brianna (Jacob) Tolley, McKenna and Phillip Town, Michael and Grace Burke; great grandchildren Mya Forman, Aubree, Ella and Jayden Tolley; and brothers Michael (Susan) Morton and Greg Morton.
She was preceded in death by her son Thomas Freye, parents, brother Tim Morton and stepson Dennis Bradley Burke.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 227 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie with Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt presiding. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2019, at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, a public scripture service will be held at 7:00 p.m. A visitation will also be held from 11:00 a.m. until time of Mass at church on Saturday.
Memorials to Agrace HospiceCare and AA MAACO (Madison Group)."
Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI
608-837-9054
Tributes
"Mrs D, was and is rare jewel. I am so blessed to have meet such a precious soul. I will miss the phone calls, text messages and emails. I will misse the stories we shared, the tears we shared and the laughter. My light is dimmed, but it will never go out. The light in you will shine with me forever. Rest on Mrs D, rest on."
"Denny~~my heart breaks for you. The world is without a sweet soul. I always enjoyed talking to Dee whether on the phone or when I'd bump into her at a store. When I'd bring up your name in conversation her smile would get bigger and her eyes would twinkle. She had a wonderful outlook on life. I deeply admired her compassion for others. Denny, you have seen too much grief over the years, and I am sorry you again are facing an unfathomable loss. I pray that peace will find you. Warmly, Jennifer Leclaire, RN "
"Dearest Denny. My deepest condolences to you for the loss of Dee. Love you. Lisa Ellis"
"Her infectious smile, her love and caring will be missed. I am sending prayers and love to her family and especially to Denny, my friend who loved her so deeply. They were a perfect match, both caring more about the other, than themselves, a true love story."
"The world was a better place with Dee Burke in it! She was a strong, beautiful, resilient woman. I'm grateful to have known her. May eternal light shine on Dee. "
"Our dear Dee has met her final reward with such grace and dignity and taught us all about faith and hope by how she lived her life no matter what trials she was presented with. Her beloved husband, Denny also is an example of how to deal with adversity and hang on to faith and hope. He exemplified how to truly live the marriage vows and how to love selflessly. Love and prayers for all who loved Dee. Tom and Mary Perz"
"This is about Denny Burke and Dee Burke and their 14 year marriage only ended by death. I am tired family and all friends of the family realize much better late than never my sister finally found the man of her dreams Dennis Burke. Denny was everything that my sister needed wanted or ever dreamed of having it a husband I love her my friend.Such an amazing man would be able to put a smile on my sisters face any day anywhere anyway with his boatloads of Irish ?? charm, that came from his soul. If I had a dollar for every time she bragged to me about how wonderful & ?just a really good man, & very romantic ? she was found of using those words to peak of her knight in shining armor ! Dee?s who family is forever in debt to that gentleman, that Irish ?? "
"Diane Catherine Burke known as D by her friends and family was the most amazing Woman Steadfast Center, Roman Catholic faith steadfast and her belief that family came first and that God was part of the family. She was my friend my sister my confidant inspiration . Part of her strong legacy left in this life is her most excellent son Michael who she so honored me by naming him after me. I was & am very humbled. I will miss her tremendously! Love you sis! "
"You were light and love in every room you entered. I love you Aunt Dee- Jennifer Anne "