Funeral services for 79-year old Ron Burke, retired longtime Chadron State College professor, will be Monday, July 12, 2021 at 10:00 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chadron, NE.
A visitation will be held Sunday, July 11, from 5:00-7:00 PM, also at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO BOX 970, CHADRON, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Ronald L. Burke was born on January 17, 1942 to Freda and Roy Burke in Sand Fork, WV, and joined his heavenly home on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at his home in Chadron.
Ron graduated from Sand Fork High School in 1959 and continued his education at West Virginia University, where he received his bachelors and masters of arts degrees.Ron then earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Minnesota.
Ron taught at Glenville State College in West Virginia and Montana State University in Bozeman before coming to Chadron State in 1987. In 23 years at CSC, he taught economics, finance, and various agriculture courses while serving on several committees and organizations.
Ron received the Nebraska State College Board of Trustees Teacher Excellence Award in 1991.
One of his favorite assignments was student participation in the Stock Market Game and many students can still recall the “Definition of Economics.” Although teaching was his main priority, it was the personal relationships with his students that he found truly rewarding.
While working on his doctorate at the University of Minnesota, Ron met his future bride, Mary Jane Johnson. They were united in marriage on June 14, 1969. To this union were born 3 children: Andrew Dean, Robert Jason, and Melissa Fae. His wife, children and grandchildren were the loves of his life.
Ron is survived by his wife Mary; children Andrew Burke of Laramie, WY, Robert (Jill) Burke and children Kaylie and Brayden Burke of Brookings, SD, and Melissa Burke and Anika Burke of Chadron; brother Richard (Mildred) Burke of Sand Fork, WV; nieces Diane (Mike) Hatton of Sugarland, TX, Sue Burke of Weston, WV, Deana Burke of Sand Fork, and several great nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his mother Freda B. Brown Burke, father Roy H. Burke, brothers Robert H. Burke and Billy B. Burke; and nephews Andrew and Matthew McHenry.