Person:Dennis Burke (1)

DENNIS W. BURKE (1840-1897)

"Dennis W. Burke died at his residence on Sixth Street on Sunday evening between nine and ten o'clock after a long illness, his death being due to tubercular trouble, occasioned from an attack of the grip. He had been sick ever since last March. The deceased was about 56 years of age. In 1840, his parents purchased two city lots which later were to become the business section of Dubuque. But the lots were sold, arid the family moved to a farm at Garry Owen in 1844. He was born near Dubuque and passed his early years in Dubuque and Jackson Counties. When about 18. he went West to Pike's Peak with an Uncle McCarthy,and spent 11 years in the mining regions. They were 3 months on the way with an oxen team.

He came to LeMars about 25 years ago with his brothers Rick and Mike, and settled on a farm ten miles south of town. For the past 12 years he has lived in LeMars. He was united in marriage in March 1887 to Mrs. M. Courtney who survives him. One sister, Mrs. Pat Flynn, lives in Perry Township. Two sisters are nuns, one in the convent of the Sacred Heart in Chicago, and the other at Iowa City. Three brothers and one sister reside in Oklahoma and a brother at Garryowen in Jackson County.

Dennis Burke was a man of most lovable character, whose gentle bearing and upright conduct gained for him the esteem and respect of all with whomhe came into contact. Few men can equal his record for his fairness and humanity in dealing with his fellowman. His life was consistent with the faith and belief he professed, and not far removed from the standard of an ideal Christian." Obituary excerpts, Lemars, Iowa newspaper 8/8/1897