Jerry M. Burke

On December 6th 1938 in Ellensburg Washington, the third of four children was born to Floyd and Nadine Burke. Jerry Burke was born minutes after his twin Jean. Minutes or not Jerry never forgot to remind her that she was older than he was.

Jerry cherished his mother and was very close to her, but boys will be boys and Jerry wanted nothing more than to grow up to be a Marine. But his mother would not sign him up early.

At 15 Jerry started driving logging trucks with his Father. But his dream of being a Marine never escaped his heart. As soon as he had the opportunity Jerry signed himself up and on December 9th 1955 Jerry Burke became a Marine, and once a Marine always a Marine. He was stationed on Okinawa Japan and enjoyed his overseas time in the service. Jerry had to many adventures to count but one that stood out was climbing Mt Fugi, and having to run all the way back down. Jerry served his country proudly from 1955-1960.

In 1970 Jerry came to Salmon Idaho where he went to work for Biggs logging. Jerry liked Salmon and decided to make it his home. He moved with his wife Roberta, step son Greg, and daughter Sandy. Jerry and Roberta divorced and he later married Judy and this marriage also ended in divorce.

Jerry always enjoyed working. One of his favorite jobs was working for Martin Capps as a guide for two seasons. But Jerry's heart was always his logging days. Jerry made life long friends throughout theses days that truly has lasted for a lifetime.

In 1980 Jerry, Lyle Hanks Sr., Harry Reeves, Mick Hanks, and Greg Burke packed into the back country and spent three months. This was a very memorable time for Jerry and he often told of all of their adventures. They had twelve head of horses and one mule!

Jerry worked for Bill Kelly Logging, Buck Walker Logging and as the logging slowed down and the dynamics of the Valley changed Jerry went to work for Dick Austin Trucking hauling beams for the QB Corporation. They eventually turned to construction.

Jerry was a bachelor of all bachelor's. He had no need or want to be married again. But that all ended when he met the absolute love of his life Cindy. Jerry invited Cindy over to his house for a spaghetti dinner and the rest is history, they never have been apart since, spending all of their time together. Jerry and Cindy married August 26th 2005 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They worked together, lived together and enjoyed life together. To this union Jerry gained two children who loved and respected him beyond words. As the grandchildren came along through the years Jerry was a bit skittish of the little people, but he quickly found that he did not want to be without them. Jerry also gained a huge extended family that loved him dearly. Jerry was a staple to our family as soon as he entered into it.

Jerry once more fulfilled a dream and became an owner operator and worked for himself from 2005-2008. He then went to work for Kent Dahle Construction and worked until his retirement in 2016. He spent his retirement with his wife, family and friends.

Jerry passed away peacefully August 25th 2021 with his loving wife at his side. Life without Jerry Burke will never be the same. A very large hole was left in our hearts, but memories of him will last all who knew him a lifetime. Jerry loved life and enjoyed living it to the fullest, but he did it his way.

Jerry is proceeded in death by his parents Floyd and Nadine Burke, sisters Arlene Burke Anderson, husband Clarence Anderson, Jean Burke McIntyre, husband Gerald McIntyre, brother Wayne (Duke) Burke, and brother in law Jamie Lanning, and a niece Jojo Dyer.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Cindy Burke of Salmon Idaho, children Shasta Figueroa (Dave Shaffmaster) of Salmon Idaho, John Hill of Bertrand Nebraska, grandchildren Zander, Oran, McKelti (runt), Hunter, Connor.

JERRY BURKE YOU WERE AN AMAZING MAN AND WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED!

Services will be held at a later date.

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