Robert Edward Burke

Share

Robert Edward Burke, 71, of Galesburg, died peacefully at home, Saturday, May 27, 2023 .

Bob was born June 4, 1951 in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Robert J. and Lois (Howes) Burke. Bob attended catholic schools and graduated from Galesburg High School. He honorably served his county in the United States Air Force. Bob went on to a 41-year career at Blick Art Materials, retiring in 2016.

Bob was united in marriage to Jodi Gail Anderson on September 3, 2016 in Galesburg. Jodi survives of Galesburg; as do his siblings, Tim (Barbara Stowe) Burke of Benzonia, Michigan, Jane (Leonard) Antosiak of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and Ann (Chris) Pemberton of Clinton, Michigan. Bob is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces, and great nephews; and his beloved K-9 companion, Chipper. Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob loved going to Innkeeper’s Coffee, where he would enjoy not only coffee but many conversations with his friends. He loved talking with and helping people and will be remembered for his generous heart. He volunteered his time with St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry as well as Knox County Right to Life. He was a devoted catholic and member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and a member of Father J. O. Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556. Bob loved to read newspapers and was a loyal Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with the rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Knox County Right to Life or the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

Spread the word

Other Obituaries

Latest News Podcasts

Choose a Category

Continue Reading

John E. Axcell

John E. Axcell, 89, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025 at his home. John was born February 28, 1936 in Ohio Grove Township, Warren Co. IL,

Carol Dean “Mimi” West

Carol Dean “Mimi” West, 91, of Abingdon, Illinois, died at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg, Illinois on October 16, 2025. Carol was born April 24, 1934 in Commerce, Georgia, the

Barbara Ann Dean

Barbara Ann Dean, 73, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at her home. She was born January 22, 1952 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the daughter of

Larry S. Sterett

Larry S. Sterett, 92, of Biggsville, IL, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Henderson County Retirement Center, Stronghurst, IL. He was born on June

Norma Joanne Hallock

Mrs. Norma Joanne Hallock, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 6:48 a.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Seminary Manor Nursing Home in Galesburg.  She was born on December 6, 1945,