Final Salute

Thomas S. Burke
Born: October 23, 1946 in Chicago, IL
Died: November 24, 2022 in Joliet, IL
Thomas S. Burke, age 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 24, 2022 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet.
Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Patricia (Garrett) Burke, children Thomas A. Burke (friend Dreeana Smith), Jeremy (Tracy) Burke and Nicole (Brian) Burke. His cherished grandchildren, Alicia, Chase, Elizabeth, Silas, Torrie, Abigail and Nora Burke. He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Yvonne (Abbett) Burke, sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie (Burke) and Jerry Boersma and nephew Stewart Boersma. Thomas cherished the company of his family and friends.
Thomas was born October 23, 1946 in Chicago, IL. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, where he served two tours as a US Navy Seabee. After his honorable service, Thomas began his career working for the US Marshal Service, where he worked for 22 years as a K-9 Enforcement Officer until his retirement in 2008. His commitment to service carried into his retirement when he was a member of the Memorial Squad at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Joliet Chapter One PTSD Group, Honor Flight Chicago and Stone City Post VFW. He was grateful to reconnect with other Veterans, especially fellow Seabee Frank Jones who he enlisted, served, and returned home with after two tours in Vietnam. He was also a dedicated member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Joliet.
Thomas was a lifelong fan of Indiana University basketball, the Chicago White Sox, and whoever was playing the Cubs. He was an avid golfer who was lucky enough to have three holes-in-one. He was proud to golf in the International Law Enforcement Games in 1996. He was still practicing his golf swing from his hospital bed. Tom and his father can finally play that golf game that they never got to play. When he wasn’t on the green, Thomas spent many joyous years coaching softball. After his coaching days were over, Thomas could be found basking in the sun on a Caribbean cruise or combing the beaches in Florida for shells to take home for his beloved grandchildren.
Visitation for Thomas will be Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 4-8 pm at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E Francis Rd in New Lenox. A memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 40 Houbolt Rd in Joliet at 10 am on Friday, December 2, 2022. Following the memorial service Thomas will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Honor Flight Chicago or Messiah Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements handled by Kurtz Memorial Chapel, New Lenox, kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-485-3700