Thomas Joseph Burke, 86, of Kendallville, Indiana passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Orchard Pointe Health Campus.

Tom was born August 5, 1936 in Elma, Iowa to Thomas and Bernadette Burke. This is where he also met the love of his life, Jo Ann (Dusheck) Burke, they were married on September 2, 1957. They have celebrated 65 wonderful years together.

Tom and Jo Ann raised five children, Deborah (David Sand), Georgia, Thomas (Laura), Chicago, Joseph (Michelle), Chicago, Julie (Chris Amundson), Chicago and Anthony (Nicole), Chicago. They were also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren (with two more on the way). He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Jerome "Butch", and sisters, Marilyn and Betty. He has two surviving sisters, Charlotte (Texas), and Jeanne (Iowa).

Mr. Burke worked for Kraft Foods for 30 years, which provided the family the opportunity to live in eight states across the United States and allowed him to travel to several international cities. He was plant manager for Kraft in Kendallville from 1977 to 1983, where he served in community leadership roles, including President, Chamber of Commerce. He ended his career with Kraft as head of Production for Kraft International in 1992.

Tom was a very committed member of the Kendallville community and served as member of the Kendallville Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Elks, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a founding leader, board member and active supporter for the Mid-America Windmill Museum in Kendallville.

He was deeply committed to his faith and was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kendallville.

Tom loved reading books, watching sports and old western movies. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing cards with his dear friends and putting together puzzles with Jo Ann.

Tom served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean War, stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Visitation will be Friday, February 3, 2023 from 3 to 7 p.m. with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 319 East Diamond Street, Kendallville with Father J. Steele officiating.

Tom will be laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville. Honor guard services will be provided by the Veterans Honor Guard and active-duty members of the US Army.

Memorials may be directed to Mid-America Windmill Museum or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

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