Robert "Bob" Burke

Robert Francis Burke

Robert “Bob” Burke, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, at Kinder Care in West Fargo, ND. Bob lived a long and full life, cherished as a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, colleague and friend. 

Born on January 25, 1932, to William and Katherine Burke, Bob’s early life was shaped by the loss of his father just before Bob’s first birthday. Raised in Ellsworth, Minnesota by his mother Kate, Bob and his brothers Art and Paul grew up surrounded by a close-knit community of aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends.

After high school, Bob spent some time with his brothers working in Alaska. He then joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Germany during the Korean conflict. While working as an air traffic controller, stationed in Dickinson, ND, he met Joan Watt. The couple married just three months later, on August 20, 1960, in Champaign, Illinois. Joan, raised Presbyterian, converted to Catholicism so they could raise their family in a shared faith.

In 1961, the young couple settled in Bismarck, where their family began to grow—welcoming Barbara, David, and Nanette. His career with the FAA prompted several moves for the family, including stops in Chanhassen, MN, and West Fargo, ND, before they put down roots in Grand Forks in 1973. There, Bob and Joan built a life grounded in faith, community, and deep friendships. Bob was actively involved in his church, the Sertoma Club, Knights of Columbus, and was a loyal UND hockey fan.

After retiring in 1988, Bob and Joan moved to their beloved home on Lake Lizzie in Minnesota. There, they welcomed family and friends with open arms, creating cherished memories that continue to comfort all who experienced their love and kindness. It was also during their retirement years that Bob and Joan embraced their love of nature, particularly birdwatching. Together they volunteered extensively at Tamarac Wildlife Refuge and traveled to birding-themed Elderhostels around the world. Known for walking two to four miles a day, they were estimated to have walked enough miles to circle the globe!

In 2010, the couple sold their lake home and relocated to Fargo, spending many more happy years together until Joan passed away in October 2022. Perhaps their greatest legacy was their love for one another, their family, and their outpouring of hospitality to all they knew. Just weeks before Bob’s passing, when a nurse asked him about Joan he said, “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Bob is survived by his children: Barbara Eidenschink (Sid), David Burke (Mike), and Nanette Tirado (Andy); grandchildren: Kate (Chad), Sophie (Erik), Drew (Haley), Claire (Joe), Will (Hannah), Peter, and Nate; and great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Liam, Ellis, Summer, Wilder, and Ginny.

A memorial service to honor Bob’s life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, 321 Sheyenne Street, West Fargo, ND. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Coffee and fellowship will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation in Bob’s memory to one of the following organizations:

Alzheimer’s Association 

225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 

Chicago, IL 60601

Friends of Tamarac

35704 Co Hwy 26 

Rochert, MN 56578

Hearts in Action (Formerly Hospice of the Red River Valley)

3800 56th Ave. S.,

Fargo, ND 58104

Holy Cross Catholic Church West Fargo

2711 7th Street East

West Fargo, ND 58078

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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