Charles H. Burke
PIERRE -- Charles H. Burke, 87, Pierre, died peacefully Monday, July 27, 2009, at his home. Mr. Burke was born March 25, 1922, to Walter Henry Burke and Jean Shanard Burke at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre. He attended Central Elementary School, Central Junior High School and graduated from Pierre High School in 1940. He then enrolled at the University of South Dakota and joined the Beta Theta Phi fraternity. During his time at the University, WWII began. In 1943, Charles joined the Army Air Corp and served as a navigator on a B-17 for the 8th Air Force, 771 Squadron 447th Bomb Group, stationed in England. Charles flew 26 bombing runs over enemy territory earning the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, as well as the Good Conduct Medal. Charles was discharged in 1945 with the rank of First Lieutenant. After returning from WWII, Charles returned to USD, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis and then in the finance department for Crouch Appliance Company in El Paso, TX. Charles married Mary Margaret Reardon of Sioux Falls on July 24, 1948. He began his career with Bank West (then Pierre National Bank) that same year. He started out in the installment loan department, was promoted to Vice President in 1957, and was named President in 1972. During his years as President from 1972-1987, Charles oversaw the growth of the bank from one location to nine locations. Under his direction, the bank also began offering trust, insurance and brokerage services; established the Oahe Foundation; and developed new products such as money market accounts. Charles' 61-year career at Bank West continued until his death, going to the office daily, at which time he served as Chairman of the Board. In addition to his wife and family, Charles had two great loves: the State of South Dakota, and traveling the world. Throughout his life, he served on numerous boards and commissions including: The Pierre Carnegie Library Trustees, South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota Children's Care Society, South Dakota Children's Care Foundation Board, Pierre Maryhouse Board, South Dakota Banking Commission, University of South Dakota Foundation Trustees, Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission, Black Hills Playhouse Board of Directors, Dakota Dome Development Corporation, South Dakota Lottery Commission, South Dakota Humanities Foundation, America's Shrine to Music Board of Trustees at the University of South Dakota, South Dakota Capital Complex Restoration and Beautification Commission, South Dakota Banker's Association Foundation, and the Pierre United Way. Charles also maintained membership in a wide variety of community-focused organizations. These include: Trinity Episcopal Church, the Pierre Elks Lodge, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Pierre Chamber of Commerce, the South Dakota Banker's Association, Ducks Unlimited, Pierre Economic Development Corporation, Izaak Walton, the Pierre/Fort Pierre Community Foundation, Pierre Players, Pierre Concert Series and the Short Grass Arts Council. In honor of his public service, Charles was recognized as State Library Trustee of the Year, was named to Morrison Roll of Honors, was inducted to the South Dakota Air Hall of Fame, was honored as the South Dakota Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year, received the University of South Dakota School of Business Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the 2000 South Dakota Hall of Fame. The employees of Bank West named Charles as the first honoree of the Charles H. Burke Community Leadership award in 1997 and continue to award the honor annually to an employee who exemplifies honesty, integrity and commitment to community. Additionally, a great joy for Charles was traveling. Fascinated by the world's variety of peoples and cultures, Charles visited six of the seven continents including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia as well as going to the North Pole by a Russian icebreaker. He traveled to Russia, China and Europe including visits to his ancestral homeland of Ireland and his WWII airbase in England. Whether you knew him as Mr. Burke, Charles, Charlie, Chuck, CII, Dad, Grandpa or Great-Grandpa, the one constant was that you knew him as a loyal friend and companion. With a kind word and a smile, Charles genuinely cared for South Dakota and his friends alike. He shared his wit, his enjoyment of life and his fabulous barbequed chicken wings with his family and many good friends. Houseboating with great delight on the Missouri River for 34 years, Charles entertained numerous people on the weekends with a cocktail, a boat ride and a great meal. His pride in living in South Dakota showed in everything he did. Charles is survived by his five children, Charles H. Burke III (Kathy Wiedenfeld) of Pierre, Mary Jo Burke (Bob Hollenbeck) of Bonita Springs, FL, Abbie O'Connor (Kevin O'Connor) of Silver Springs, MD, Carrie Burke (Tim Dykstal) of St. Paul, MN, and Sean Burke (Shannon Fredrick) of Los Angeles; seven grandchildren, Bob and Becky Burke, Alyssa and Duggan Burke, Sean O'Connor and Henry Burke Dykstal and Charles Burke Dykstal; two great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Aidan Burke; his brother, Shanard; and his niece, Carla Burke Tibbetts, Sioux Falls. Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Reardon Burke, and his parents Walter and Jean Burke. The family asks that memorial donations be directed to Rawlins Municipal Library or to the Pierre Food Pantry. The Burke family will be receiving visitors beginning at 5 p.m. CDT today at View 34 on East Hwy. 34. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. with an Irish Wake following. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. sharp Saturday, August 1, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pierre. Internment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
PIERRE -- Charles H. Burke, 87, Pierre, died peacefully Monday, July 27, 2009, at his home. Mr. Burke was born March 25, 1922, to Walter Henry Burke and Jean Shanard Burke at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre. He attended Central Elementary School, Central Junior High School and graduated from Pierre High School in 1940. He then enrolled at the University of South Dakota and joined the Beta Theta Phi fraternity. During his time at the University, WWII began. In 1943, Charles joined the Army Air Corp and served as a navigator on a B-17 for the 8th Air Force, 771 Squadron 447th Bomb Group, stationed in England. Charles flew 26 bombing runs over enemy territory earning the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, as well as the Good Conduct Medal. Charles was discharged in 1945 with the rank of First Lieutenant. After returning from WWII, Charles returned to USD, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis and then in the finance department for Crouch Appliance Company in El Paso, TX. Charles married Mary Margaret Reardon of Sioux Falls on July 24, 1948. He began his career with Bank West (then Pierre National Bank) that same year. He started out in the installment loan department, was promoted to Vice President in 1957, and was named President in 1972. During his years as President from 1972-1987, Charles oversaw the growth of the bank from one location to nine locations. Under his direction, the bank also began offering trust, insurance and brokerage services; established the Oahe Foundation; and developed new products such as money market accounts. Charles' 61-year career at Bank West continued until his death, going to the office daily, at which time he served as Chairman of the Board. In addition to his wife and family, Charles had two great loves: the State of South Dakota, and traveling the world. Throughout his life, he served on numerous boards and commissions including: The Pierre Carnegie Library Trustees, South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota Children's Care Society, South Dakota Children's Care Foundation Board, Pierre Maryhouse Board, South Dakota Banking Commission, University of South Dakota Foundation Trustees, Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission, Black Hills Playhouse Board of Directors, Dakota Dome Development Corporation, South Dakota Lottery Commission, South Dakota Humanities Foundation, America's Shrine to Music Board of Trustees at the University of South Dakota, South Dakota Capital Complex Restoration and Beautification Commission, South Dakota Banker's Association Foundation, and the Pierre United Way. Charles also maintained membership in a wide variety of community-focused organizations. These include: Trinity Episcopal Church, the Pierre Elks Lodge, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Pierre Chamber of Commerce, the South Dakota Banker's Association, Ducks Unlimited, Pierre Economic Development Corporation, Izaak Walton, the Pierre/Fort Pierre Community Foundation, Pierre Players, Pierre Concert Series and the Short Grass Arts Council. In honor of his public service, Charles was recognized as State Library Trustee of the Year, was named to Morrison Roll of Honors, was inducted to the South Dakota Air Hall of Fame, was honored as the South Dakota Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year, received the University of South Dakota School of Business Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the 2000 South Dakota Hall of Fame. The employees of Bank West named Charles as the first honoree of the Charles H. Burke Community Leadership award in 1997 and continue to award the honor annually to an employee who exemplifies honesty, integrity and commitment to community. Additionally, a great joy for Charles was traveling. Fascinated by the world's variety of peoples and cultures, Charles visited six of the seven continents including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia as well as going to the North Pole by a Russian icebreaker. He traveled to Russia, China and Europe including visits to his ancestral homeland of Ireland and his WWII airbase in England. Whether you knew him as Mr. Burke, Charles, Charlie, Chuck, CII, Dad, Grandpa or Great-Grandpa, the one constant was that you knew him as a loyal friend and companion. With a kind word and a smile, Charles genuinely cared for South Dakota and his friends alike. He shared his wit, his enjoyment of life and his fabulous barbequed chicken wings with his family and many good friends. Houseboating with great delight on the Missouri River for 34 years, Charles entertained numerous people on the weekends with a cocktail, a boat ride and a great meal. His pride in living in South Dakota showed in everything he did. Charles is survived by his five children, Charles H. Burke III (Kathy Wiedenfeld) of Pierre, Mary Jo Burke (Bob Hollenbeck) of Bonita Springs, FL, Abbie O'Connor (Kevin O'Connor) of Silver Springs, MD, Carrie Burke (Tim Dykstal) of St. Paul, MN, and Sean Burke (Shannon Fredrick) of Los Angeles; seven grandchildren, Bob and Becky Burke, Alyssa and Duggan Burke, Sean O'Connor and Henry Burke Dykstal and Charles Burke Dykstal; two great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Aidan Burke; his brother, Shanard; and his niece, Carla Burke Tibbetts, Sioux Falls. Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Reardon Burke, and his parents Walter and Jean Burke. The family asks that memorial donations be directed to Rawlins Municipal Library or to the Pierre Food Pantry. The Burke family will be receiving visitors beginning at 5 p.m. CDT today at View 34 on East Hwy. 34. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. with an Irish Wake following. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. sharp Saturday, August 1, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pierre. Internment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Charles H. Burke
PIERRE -- Charles H. Burke, 87, Pierre, died peacefully Monday, July 27, 2009, at his home. Mr. Burke was born March 25, 1922, to Walter Henry Burke and Jean Shanard Burke at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre. He attended Central Elementary School, Central Junior High School and graduated from Pierre High School in 1940. He then enrolled at the University of South Dakota and joined the Beta Theta Phi fraternity. During his time at the University, WWII began. In 1943, Charles joined the Army Air Corp and served as a navigator on a B-17 for the 8th Air Force, 771 Squadron 447th Bomb Group, stationed in England. Charles flew 26 bombing runs over enemy territory earning the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, as well as the Good Conduct Medal. Charles was discharged in 1945 with the rank of First Lieutenant. After returning from WWII, Charles returned to USD, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis and then in the finance department for Crouch Appliance Company in El Paso, TX. Charles married Mary Margaret Reardon of Sioux Falls on July 24, 1948. He began his career with Bank West (then Pierre National Bank) that same year. He started out in the installment loan department, was promoted to Vice President in 1957, and was named President in 1972. During his years as President from 1972-1987, Charles oversaw the growth of the bank from one location to nine locations. Under his direction, the bank also began offering trust, insurance and brokerage services; established the Oahe Foundation; and developed new products such as money market accounts. Charles' 61-year career at Bank West continued until his death, going to the office daily, at which time he served as Chairman of the Board. In addition to his wife and family, Charles had two great loves: the State of South Dakota, and traveling the world. Throughout his life, he served on numerous boards and commissions including: The Pierre Carnegie Library Trustees, South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota Children's Care Society, South Dakota Children's Care Foundation Board, Pierre Maryhouse Board, South Dakota Banking Commission, University of South Dakota Foundation Trustees, Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission, Black Hills Playhouse Board of Directors, Dakota Dome Development Corporation, South Dakota Lottery Commission, South Dakota Humanities Foundation, America's Shrine to Music Board of Trustees at the University of South Dakota, South Dakota Capital Complex Restoration and Beautification Commission, South Dakota Banker's Association Foundation, and the Pierre United Way. Charles also maintained membership in a wide variety of community-focused organizations. These include: Trinity Episcopal Church, the Pierre Elks Lodge, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Pierre Chamber of Commerce, the South Dakota Banker's Association, Ducks Unlimited, Pierre Economic Development Corporation, Izaak Walton, the Pierre/Fort Pierre Community Foundation, Pierre Players, Pierre Concert Series and the Short Grass Arts Council. In honor of his public service, Charles was recognized as State Library Trustee of the Year, was named to Morrison Roll of Honors, was inducted to the South Dakota Air Hall of Fame, was honored as the South Dakota Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year, received the University of South Dakota School of Business Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the 2000 South Dakota Hall of Fame. The employees of Bank West named Charles as the first honoree of the Charles H. Burke Community Leadership award in 1997 and continue to award the honor annually to an employee who exemplifies honesty, integrity and commitment to community. Additionally, a great joy for Charles was traveling. Fascinated by the world's variety of peoples and cultures, Charles visited six of the seven continents including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia as well as going to the North Pole by a Russian icebreaker. He traveled to Russia, China and Europe including visits to his ancestral homeland of Ireland and his WWII airbase in England. Whether you knew him as Mr. Burke, Charles, Charlie, Chuck, CII, Dad, Grandpa or Great-Grandpa, the one constant was that you knew him as a loyal friend and companion. With a kind word and a smile, Charles genuinely cared for South Dakota and his friends alike. He shared his wit, his enjoyment of life and his fabulous barbequed chicken wings with his family and many good friends. Houseboating with great delight on the Missouri River for 34 years, Charles entertained numerous people on the weekends with a cocktail, a boat ride and a great meal. His pride in living in South Dakota showed in everything he did. Charles is survived by his five children, Charles H. Burke III (Kathy Wiedenfeld) of Pierre, Mary Jo Burke (Bob Hollenbeck) of Bonita Springs, FL, Abbie O'Connor (Kevin O'Connor) of Silver Springs, MD, Carrie Burke (Tim Dykstal) of St. Paul, MN, and Sean Burke (Shannon Fredrick) of Los Angeles; seven grandchildren, Bob and Becky Burke, Alyssa and Duggan Burke, Sean O'Connor and Henry Burke Dykstal and Charles Burke Dykstal; two great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Aidan Burke; his brother, Shanard; and his niece, Carla Burke Tibbetts, Sioux Falls. Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Reardon Burke, and his parents Walter and Jean Burke. The family asks that memorial donations be directed to Rawlins Municipal Library or to the Pierre Food Pantry. The Burke family will be receiving visitors beginning at 5 p.m. CDT today at View 34 on East Hwy. 34. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. with an Irish Wake following. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. sharp Saturday, August 1, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pierre. Internment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
PIERRE -- Charles H. Burke, 87, Pierre, died peacefully Monday, July 27, 2009, at his home. Mr. Burke was born March 25, 1922, to Walter Henry Burke and Jean Shanard Burke at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre. He attended Central Elementary School, Central Junior High School and graduated from Pierre High School in 1940. He then enrolled at the University of South Dakota and joined the Beta Theta Phi fraternity. During his time at the University, WWII began. In 1943, Charles joined the Army Air Corp and served as a navigator on a B-17 for the 8th Air Force, 771 Squadron 447th Bomb Group, stationed in England. Charles flew 26 bombing runs over enemy territory earning the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, as well as the Good Conduct Medal. Charles was discharged in 1945 with the rank of First Lieutenant. After returning from WWII, Charles returned to USD, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis and then in the finance department for Crouch Appliance Company in El Paso, TX. Charles married Mary Margaret Reardon of Sioux Falls on July 24, 1948. He began his career with Bank West (then Pierre National Bank) that same year. He started out in the installment loan department, was promoted to Vice President in 1957, and was named President in 1972. During his years as President from 1972-1987, Charles oversaw the growth of the bank from one location to nine locations. Under his direction, the bank also began offering trust, insurance and brokerage services; established the Oahe Foundation; and developed new products such as money market accounts. Charles' 61-year career at Bank West continued until his death, going to the office daily, at which time he served as Chairman of the Board. In addition to his wife and family, Charles had two great loves: the State of South Dakota, and traveling the world. Throughout his life, he served on numerous boards and commissions including: The Pierre Carnegie Library Trustees, South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota Children's Care Society, South Dakota Children's Care Foundation Board, Pierre Maryhouse Board, South Dakota Banking Commission, University of South Dakota Foundation Trustees, Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission, Black Hills Playhouse Board of Directors, Dakota Dome Development Corporation, South Dakota Lottery Commission, South Dakota Humanities Foundation, America's Shrine to Music Board of Trustees at the University of South Dakota, South Dakota Capital Complex Restoration and Beautification Commission, South Dakota Banker's Association Foundation, and the Pierre United Way. Charles also maintained membership in a wide variety of community-focused organizations. These include: Trinity Episcopal Church, the Pierre Elks Lodge, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Pierre Chamber of Commerce, the South Dakota Banker's Association, Ducks Unlimited, Pierre Economic Development Corporation, Izaak Walton, the Pierre/Fort Pierre Community Foundation, Pierre Players, Pierre Concert Series and the Short Grass Arts Council. In honor of his public service, Charles was recognized as State Library Trustee of the Year, was named to Morrison Roll of Honors, was inducted to the South Dakota Air Hall of Fame, was honored as the South Dakota Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year, received the University of South Dakota School of Business Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the 2000 South Dakota Hall of Fame. The employees of Bank West named Charles as the first honoree of the Charles H. Burke Community Leadership award in 1997 and continue to award the honor annually to an employee who exemplifies honesty, integrity and commitment to community. Additionally, a great joy for Charles was traveling. Fascinated by the world's variety of peoples and cultures, Charles visited six of the seven continents including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia as well as going to the North Pole by a Russian icebreaker. He traveled to Russia, China and Europe including visits to his ancestral homeland of Ireland and his WWII airbase in England. Whether you knew him as Mr. Burke, Charles, Charlie, Chuck, CII, Dad, Grandpa or Great-Grandpa, the one constant was that you knew him as a loyal friend and companion. With a kind word and a smile, Charles genuinely cared for South Dakota and his friends alike. He shared his wit, his enjoyment of life and his fabulous barbequed chicken wings with his family and many good friends. Houseboating with great delight on the Missouri River for 34 years, Charles entertained numerous people on the weekends with a cocktail, a boat ride and a great meal. His pride in living in South Dakota showed in everything he did. Charles is survived by his five children, Charles H. Burke III (Kathy Wiedenfeld) of Pierre, Mary Jo Burke (Bob Hollenbeck) of Bonita Springs, FL, Abbie O'Connor (Kevin O'Connor) of Silver Springs, MD, Carrie Burke (Tim Dykstal) of St. Paul, MN, and Sean Burke (Shannon Fredrick) of Los Angeles; seven grandchildren, Bob and Becky Burke, Alyssa and Duggan Burke, Sean O'Connor and Henry Burke Dykstal and Charles Burke Dykstal; two great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Aidan Burke; his brother, Shanard; and his niece, Carla Burke Tibbetts, Sioux Falls. Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Reardon Burke, and his parents Walter and Jean Burke. The family asks that memorial donations be directed to Rawlins Municipal Library or to the Pierre Food Pantry. The Burke family will be receiving visitors beginning at 5 p.m. CDT today at View 34 on East Hwy. 34. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. with an Irish Wake following. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. sharp Saturday, August 1, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pierre. Internment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
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