John J. "Jack" Burke

John J. “Jack” Burke
Jack Burke of Greenwood, Indiana passed away peacefully on June 1, 2022. Born July 28, 1931, to John Joseph and Margaret Catherine (Grogan) Burke in Chicago, Illinois; spent much of his childhood in South Bend, Indiana, but lived most of his life in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He is survived by his wife Nancy L. (Steinbrunner) Burke of 62 years, and their five sons: John Christopher (Coleen Ellis), James Patrick (Kelly), Fr. Adrian Burke, David William, Patrick Joseph (Dr. Patsy Haibach); grandchildren: Brian, Amy, Jeffery, Evan, Audrey, Bradley, Bethany; and great grandchildren: McKenna, Jack, Emmy, and a grandbaby boy due in January 2023.

Jack served in the United States Navy (1951-1955) during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carriers USS Midway and Franklin D. Roosevelt, in Reconnaissance Patrol Squadron 7 and as a Navy Corpsman. He had fond memories of Japan, where he spent much of his time when he was on leave.

After military service, he graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Central University. Previously working for RCA, Atterbury Job Corps, and Westinghouse Learning Corporation, Jack ultimately retired in the mid-1990’s from Golden Rule Insurance Company after 20 years as their Director of Advertising and Marketing.

A devout Catholic, Jack was an Oblate of St. Meinrad Archabbey, a long-time member of St. Barnabas Parish, current member of St. Jude; and volunteered at the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and St. Vincent DePaul. He had a passion for art and continued his love of painting even late in life. Jack enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. Known as a quick-witted “idea-guy” with a great sense of humor, he always carried a notepad in his pocket to jot down thoughts and ideas. He was an avid reader and had a passion for learning.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret Burke, sister Carol Ann (Burke) Erich, his brothers-in-law William “Bill” Steinbrunner and Peter Eric, and his buddy Shelby the Cat.

Visitation will be held on Thursday June 9, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 pm at O’Riley Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 6107 S. East St., Indianapolis, IN 46227, with funeral services on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis. Should you wish to make a charitable donation in lieu of flowers please make them to St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, IN, or St. Vincent DePaul in Indianapolis.