Submitted by: Dan Rich

John Burkus

May 24, 1925 - April 10, 2001

South Bend Tribune 4/15/2001

SOUTH BEND -  Mr. John Burkus, 75, passed away on Tuesday, April 10, in Kansas City, Mo., after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Mr. Burkus was born on May 24, 1925. He served his country in the Navy during World War II, and received a Purple Heart during his service. He was a good provider. He taught his children to be good Christians, and to have strong work ethics, generous natures, and excellent discipline of both body and soul. He was himself a strong man, always giving of himself and offering his support to those who needed it. He was known for his green thumb; his garden being the envy of the neighborhood. He was also famous among friends for his homemade Polish sausage, which he generously shared with any and all takers. His sense of humor and vast repertoire of jokes for all occasions will long be remembered.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley (Witkowski) Burkus, who currently resides in Kansas City. They were married on July 9, 1949. Also surviving are his three daughters, Charmaine Kieffaber and her four children, Jason, Amy, Derek and Elisa of Louisburg, Kan.; Celeste Peteritas, her husband, Gary, and their children, Brian and Stephen of Lenexa, Kan.; and Denise Harris and her husband, David of Columbia, Md.

Friends and family may call in the ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend, on Easter Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m., with a Rosary being said at 4 p.m. Services will be held in St. Casimir Catholic Church on Monday, April 16, at 10 a.m., followed by a short graveside service at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Carondelet Hospice, 201 West R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs, MO 64014; or to St. Casimir Catholic Church, 1308 Dunham, South Bend, IN 46619.