Josephine Lucille Burke, age 102, passed away at Hillside Manor Nursing Home in Beaver Dam, WI, on July 2, 2024. She was born May 9, 1922, to William and Mary (Kindle) Boyle in Darlington. She graduated from Darlington High School and later married her high school sweetheart, Philip Burke in 1942. They farmed in the Lafayette County area until selling their farm in 1965, and moving back to Darlington where she worked as a cook at the Darlington High School until her retirement.

Josephine is survived by her daughter: Patricia (Don) Markhardt of Beaver Dam; a daughter-in-law: Mae Burke of Green Bay, WI; granddaughters: Susan (John) Maveus of Monroe, WI, Katie (Noe) Pacheco of Muskego, WI, and Kim (David) Lange of Green Bay; her great-grandchildren: Nick and Matt Maveus of Monroe, and Christopher, Ryan, and Emily Lange of Green Bay; and many nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and great-nieces. She is also survived by a sister-in-law: Mert Burke and former daughter-in-law: Emily (Eric) Bunting.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Phil; one son: John Burke; a grandson: Jeff Holz; and her siblings: Rose, Kay, John, and Billy.

Josephine was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. She loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren, creating memories they will all cherish forever. Her family will always fondly remember Josephine for her baking skills and often times was known to make treats for her family and friends. During snowstorms, Josephine would make caramel pecan rolls for the guys plowing snow and they always made it a point to stop and have a treat. She was proud of her Irish heritage, and loved being a wife to Phil and helping him on the farm throughout the years. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Fr. Chris Gernetzke officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. with a rosary being prayed at 8:30 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, memorials may be made out to Our Lady of Fatima Parish (206 E. Harriet St. Darlington, WI 53530) in Josephine’s name.