William Gerald Burke

William Gerald Burke, 85, passed away peacefully at home with his family on August 13, 2018. He was born on July 25, 1933 in Shamokin, PA, to George and Leona Burke. Bill came to Kodiak, AK, in 1947 to visit his father, fell in love with Kodiak and stayed two and a half years before returning to Shamokin, PA, to play football and graduate high school. Upon returning to Alaska, Bill entered the US Army at Ft. Richardson. He then returned to Kodiak where he worked as a commercial fisherman and a journeyman plumber with the Plumbers & Fitters Local No. 367. He also served the community as Fire Chief and EMT. Bill worked all over the state with the Local No. 367. During one of his jobs building the Alaska Customs, Bill met his future wife, Donna, in the Yukon. They married on March 18, 1972 and settled in Kodiak. Bill and Donna had three children, sons Warren and Duane, and daughter, Tammy. They sold their fishing boat in 1979 and moved to Wasilla where they have resided ever since. Bill had a heart of gold, an infectious smile, a strong will and a deep foundation in his faith. He left his family and friends knowing we were truly loved by him. Bill said, “I did everything I wanted to do in my life and couldn’t have asked for more.” Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Leona Slodysko (PA), father, George Burke (AK), sister Joan Zerg (CA), and sons, Warren and Duane Burke (AK). Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna Burke (Wasilla, AK), his daughter Tammy Jorgensen, son-in-law Nels (Anchorage, AK), his granddaughter, Alicia Brown and husband (Gabriel) (Anchorage, AK), sister, Joyce Kealey (PA) nephews, Robert Kealey (Norie) (PA) and Billy Jones (CA) and niece, Kathy Mann (CA).

Funeral Mass will be held 12 PM on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1201 E Bogard Rd in Wasilla, AK.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s memory to Al Aska Shrine, Outreach Alaska Children, 1930 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, AK 99508, Wasilla Senior Center or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements cared for by Valley Funeral Home.