Richard “Royce” Burke

Known as “Royce” by his family and friends, he was born on February 22, 1941 in Munising to Thomas and Gladys (Peters) Burke. Royce grew up in Munising and attended Wm. G. Mather High School. In 1961, he enlisted and served in the United States Coast Guard. In 1964, Royce married Judith Hubert and resided in Munising raising their family there for over 35 years.

Royce was employed by Timber Products and retired as a millwright in 1994. Royce’s favorite hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, cooking, playing cards, fixing everything in need of repair, and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. His voice could often be heard on the field from the stands attending his son’s and grandson’s football games. He was also an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He always appreciated a fresh cup of coffee, good conversation and a rack of BBQ ribs. Many friends, neighbors and relatives could always count on Royce and Judy for friendship, support and laughter.

Their door was always open in the “Frog Hollow” neighborhood to those in need no matter what the circumstance.

Royce is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Harry) Krusic of Escanaba; sons – Steve (Roberta “Robin”) Burke of Marquette and Francis Burke of Escanaba; grandchildren – Doug, Alyssa, Thomas, Jonathan, Jessie, Madison, Sidney, Jasmine and Abigail; great grandchild, Kinsley and another great granddaughter expected in January; sister – Lorell (John) Blau and several nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Judith and his parents Thomas and Gladys Burke.

Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Monday, November 20, 2017. Visiting time with family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A celebration of life memorial will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home’s chapel conducted by Father Chris Gardiner.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans for their wonderful care provided over the past two years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855. His obituary and guestbook may be viewed and signed at bowermanfuneralhome.net.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day… unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved still missed and very dear.