Senator Vincent S. Burke View All Years

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Vincent S. Burke

Woodbury County

VINCENT S. BURKE

Vincent S. Burke was born on May 17, 1920, in Laverne, Minnesota, and was the son of James M. and Marion F. Sanders Burke. He passed away on February 2, 2001, at the age of 80 years. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary, and three children: Michael Burke of Cypress, California; Joanne Stager of Norco, California; and Alice Burke of San Juan Capistrano, California.

When he was a young boy, his family moved to Sioux City where he attended public school and graduated from East High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration and sociology from Morningside College. He received a master’s degree in communications from the University of South Dakota in 1972.

He was a Woodbury County Democrat and was elected to the Iowa Senate in 1964. He served one year, 1965, in the 61st General Assembly. He contributed to his community by working for the state office of vocational rehabilitation. He held membership in the National Rehabilitation, the American Inter-Professional, and the Iowa Welfare Association. He was well known as an effective vocational rehab counselor, and many people he worked with maintained contact with him throughout the remainder of his life.

Senator Burke was an avid pilot. At the age of 15, he was involved in barnstorming, stunt flying, and wing walking, and he was one of the first skydivers. He was instrumental in creating the early aviation museum at the Sioux City airport. During World War II, he served in air intelligence.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF IOWA: That in the passing of the Honorable Senator Vincent S. Burke, the State has lost an honored citizen and faithful and useful public servant, and that the Senate by this resolution expresses its appreciation of his service to the State and tenders its sympathy and kindest regards to the members of his family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate, and that the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

STEVEN D. HANSEN

STEVE KING

JOHN REDWINE

Committee

Senate District 39