Duane John Burke

Duane John Burke, 39, died July 14, 2008 at home in Wasilla. A memorial Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Bogard Road. Friar Richard Tero will officiate and a reception will immediately follow in the hall.

Burke was born Feb. 8, 1969 in San Pete Creek on the Alaska Highway, Yukon Territory. He was a graduate of Wasilla High, Class of 1988, and attended the Phoenix Technology Institute.

He came with his family to Alaska, living in Kodiak from 1971 to 1979 before settling in Wasilla. He worked for New Horizons for 14 years as drafting manager, and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, rafting, skiing, family activities and games. He was also a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Alaska Aces and Pittsburgh Penguins.

“Duane was a very active and fun-loving person,” his family wrote. “He was well known for his jokes and pranks he would play on people. He loved the outdoors and was always game for anything. He was always willing to help out his friends, family and co-workers, no matter what the task. He had a huge heart and loved everyone. Although he had no children of his own, he was great with kids, and was a wonderful uncle to his niece. He was generous, caring, loving and a lot of fun. He was loved by all who knew him and will be severely missed.”

He is survived by his parents Donna and William of Wasilla; sister and brother-in-law Tammy and Ron McCallion and niece Alicia Burke, all of Wasilla; dog Pepper aka “Monk;” grandmother Rose McPhail; aunts Joyce, Rhonda and Susie; uncles Rod, Charlie and Danny; cousins Robert, Kathy, John, Katie, Shane, Maria, Michael, Danielle and Meaghan.

He is preceded by brother Warren Burke; grandfathers George Burke and John McPhail; grandmother Leona Burke; uncle Ron Kealey; and aunt Joan Zerg.

The family suggests memorial donations in his memory to the Boys and Girls Club of Wasilla, 3700 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla, 99654

Valley Funeral Homes and Crematory of Wasilla and Palmer is assisting the family.