Esther J. Burke, 80, of Kewaunee passed away on Sunday April 13, 2014 of lymphoma. She was born August 16, 1933 in Rosiere to the late Paul and Josephine (Massart) Dantoin. She attended Lafayette Grade School and Casco High School. On June 24, 1952 she married Kenneth Burke. She farmed with her husband and father-in-law David J. Burke until 1959. Ken preceded her in death on March 18, 1959.
She started a second career at Door-Kewaunee Teachers College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1968 with a degree in elementary education. Her teaching career began at Wayside School in Norman, a classic one-room school house. She taught for nearly 25 years at Hillcrest Elementary in Kewaunee.
In retirement she enjoyed traveling, gardening, and ceramics. Esther also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, her sisters, neighbors, friends, and family. She volunteered for various community activities including Kewaunee Chamber of Commerce, Kewaunee County Historical Society, Aging Resource Center, and the Rosary Society.
Esther is survived by her daughter Peggy Berkovitz of Madison, and her two sons David of Wausau and Charles and Mary Jo (Reince) of Westby; six grand-children Brent Berkovitz, Mound MN; Andrew Berkovitz, Madison; Ryan (Courtney) Burke, Boseman MT; Nick (Jordan) Burke, Westby; David H. Burke, Westby; Megan (special friend Tom Kluczny) Burke, Rochester, MN; one great-granddaughter Austyn Burke, Westby; and one sister Otilla Wautlet, Casco. She was preceded in death by brothers, sisters, and in-laws Johanna (Otto) Juza, Ransom (Margaret) Dantoin, Alden (Lorraine) Dantoin, Grace (Bob) Tlachac, and Alfred Wautlet.
Visitation will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Kewaunee, on Wednesday April 16, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:30 a.m. with Fr. Bill Swichtenberg officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home, Casco is assisting the family. Online condolence messages may be shared here .
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kurt Kurowski and the staff of Bellin Clinic in Kewaunee, Bellin Hospital, University of Wisconsin Hospital, and Unity Hospice of DePere for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers memorials will be made in her memory.
