Norman Laverne Burke, 75, of Santa Maria, California passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at his home in Santa Maria with his loving family attending to him.
Norman was born April 5, 1933 to Raymond and Louise Novo Burke of Santa Maria, California. He grew up in Guadalupe, California and graduated from Santa Maria High School in June of 1952.
Norman served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict from November 21, 1952 to November 20, 1956, and his best memories were of the long boat ride to England and the wonderful military experience while serving on acting duty in England. After his discharge from active duty, Norman returned to Santa Maria and worked for John Ingless as a welder, and worked for Helms Bakery which delighted his family when he brought home "goodies" at the end of his workday. He married Jennie Burke in 1960 immediately "inheriting" three wonderful children, Art, Mary, and Theresa. Jennie preceded Norman in death after 37 years of marriage in 1997.
Norman worked for his father Ray in the family's welding shop in Guadalupe and then bought out his father's interest in the business and operated Burke's Blacksmith and Welding in Guadalupe, California until 1987 when he retired.
Norman was an active member of the Santa Maria Elks, Lodge 1538, the Guadalupe American Legion, actively participated in the Mexican Ladies Social Club for the annual Black and White Ball, and was renowned among his friends for his barbecue skills and his excellent cooking skills. He was an avid camper and active member of the Elks Traveleers.
Norman married Shirley Jacklin of Santa Maria, California on Valentine's Day 2004. After his marriage to Shirley, Norman and Shirley continued their active involvement with the Elks Traveleers and traveled extensively in their RV both within California and across the United States. Norman's marriage to Shirley immediately expanded his loving family, and her children all truly loved Norman.
Norman is survived by his wife Shirley Jacklin Burke of Orcutt, California, his children Art Patino and his wife Vicky of Auburn, California, his daughter Mary and her husband Ron Mathisen of Orcutt, California, his daughter Theresa and her husband Buddy Jaquith of Arroyo Grande, California and Shirley's children Steve Jacklin of Fremont, California, Dennis Jacklin and his wife Sandy of Vallejo, California, and Sherry Jacklin of Milwaukee, Oregon. Norman is also survived by nine grand-children, twelve great-grand-children, and one great-great-grandson.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Louise Burke, his brother Ronald, and his first spouse Jennie.
Norman's family extends special loving thanks to his grand-daughter Jerri as Norman's guardian angel in his last days.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2008 at Saint Louis de Montfort Catholic Church in Orcutt, California followed by internment at the Santa Maria Cemetery. A celebration of Norman's life will thereafter be held at the Santa Maria Elk's Lodge, 1538 in Santa Maria, California following internment. At the family's request memorial contributions may be made to the Marian Hospice, 504 Plaza, Santa Maria, California 93454.
Arrangements are under the care of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary and Crematory.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463 Published in Santa Maria Times on June 18, 2008