John J Burke Jr

Of Fox Point was peacefully born to eternal life on January 25th, 2019 at 77 years old. Survived by his devoted wife, Kathryn Murphy Burke. John was a generous and proud father to his five children, Wendy A. Burke, John (Tisha) Burke III, Molly (John) Sloan, Patrick (Kristin) Burke and Rory (Chris) Foley. Adoring grandfather to his ten cherished grandchildren, Murphy, Flannery, Duke, Kathryn, Charles, Teagan, Jack, Fletcher, Reilly and Dillon. Loving brother to Sheila Vollman, Kevin (Mary Grace) Burke, Gerard (Mary) Burke and Margaret (Hack) Noyes. John is preceded in death by his dear parents, John and Margaret "Marnie" Burke, and brothers, Reilly and Timothy Burke. John was a proud graduate and long time Trustee of Spring Hill College in Mobile Alabama where he was instrumental in the building of the Marnie and John Burke Memorial Library which the students call "The Burke". John's legacy at Spring Hill continues with the newly developed John J. Burke Jr. Center for the Study and Advancement of Free Enterprise. The Center's goal is to educate students in the American entrepreneurial philosophy of opportunity for all. A faithful Catholic and Knight of Malta, John was also an enthusiastic philanthropist and larger-than-life character who left a formidable legacy on the city he loved. Milwaukee's well-known Lady-Bug Building is home to the company he founded, Burke Properties, and he considered the support that he and Murph offered to the Milwaukee Art Museum's Burke Brise Soleil to be his proudest achievement. John served on numerous boards throughout the city dedicating much of his time adding to the beauty and vibrancy of his hometown. The city is a livelier place because of him.