Elizabeth Burke

Elizabeth (Betty) Burke, 74, passed away in her home May 10, 2000, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Betty was born in rural Allamakee County to Joe and Julia (Blake) Mauss on Dec. 4, 1926. She attended country schools and graduated from St. Patrick's in Waukon in 1945. Betty taught for several years in the rural Allamakee schools of Clear Creek and French Creek.
She married Raymond Burke on Oct. 21, 1952, and they resided on their rural New Albin farm for most of their married life. Betty was a woman who cared for her family and made them the primary vocation in her life. She was actively involved in church and taught CCD classes for several years. She enjoyed having company, cooking, baking, gardening, playing solitare, her card club, and later, listening to Milwaukee Brewers baseball games on the radio.
Betty is survived by her husband, Raymond; eight children, Joseph Burke, Waukon, Janice (Rick) Monson, Highlandville, John Burke, Waukon, Jerry (Dianne) Burke, New Albin, James Burke and friend Andrea of Hortonville, WI, Jeff (Mary) Burke, Decorah, Jay Burke, Austin, MN, and Justin (Sheila) Burke, Cherokee; eighteen grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; six sisters, Sister Mary Bernard Mauss, Dayton, Dorothy Welper, Waukon, Joan (Harold) Welper, Rozet, WY, Shirley (Harold) Colsch, Waukon, Bernadette Becker, Lansing, and Maureen (Orville) Strothman, Anoka, MN; two brothers, John (Mary Lou) Mauss, Dubuque, Jim (Carol) Mauss, Hokah, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Julia Mauss; one sister, Kathleen Becker; and one grandson, Jeremiah Joe.
Funeral services were held May 13 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in New Albin with Fr. Henry Charipar and Fr. Herbert Tegeler officiating.
Music was provided by Collette Kasten and Colleen Becker. Some of the selections were On Eagle's Wings, How Great Thou Art, Prayer of St. Francis and When Irish Eyes are Smiling.
The offertory gifts were presented by Jeff and Mary Burke and family.
Pallbearers were Betty's sons Joe, John, Jerry, James, Jay and Justin. Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery in New Albin.
Thornburg-Hanson Funeral Home of Lansing was in charge of the arrangements.