Donald L. Burke age 77 of Bowman, North Dakota died on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at Southwest Healthcare Hospital, Bowman, ND after his battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial for Donnie will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at St. Charles Catholic Church. Father David Morman will officiate with interment at Bowman Cemetery.

A Rosary and Scripture Service will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2011, at St. Charles Catholic Church, Bowman.

Donnie was born December 28, 1933 to Henry Joseph (H. J.) and Margie (Stephens) Burke in Rhame, ND. He was the oldest of four children. He attended Cash Elementary School near the family farm through eighth grade and one year of high school by correspondence. He graduated from Bowman High School in 1952, and then attended North Dakota State School of Science. After college, Donnie returned to the farm where he went into partnership with his father and brother Jim.

Donnie was united in marriage to Sue Ann Lewton on July 31, 1954. They made their home on the Burke farm, where they raised their seven children. In February 1978, he was at Sue's side when she passed away from her battle with cancer.

On October 24, 1980 Donnie married Lenore West Stebbins. They lived on the farm until 1989, when they moved to Bowman. Living in Bowman brought with it new things. After moving to a home in Bowman, Donnie joined the morning breakfast crowd and enjoyed friendly banter to start the day. He had a good sense of humor….Although he enjoyed living in town his heart was always on the farm.

Donnie valued his neighbors and was himself, a good neighbor, always ready to lend a hand. Living in a good community was important to him and because of this he was involved with several boards including: Parish Council, Sheets School Board, Southwest Medical Hospital Board, Bowman Grain Executive Board and Bowman Weather Mod.

Donnie was blessed with the opportunity to work with his father, brother, sons, nephews and grandsons. In 2007 they held a 100 year celebration of the farm with family, friends, and neighbors. Donnie dedicated his life to farming and ranching, it was his passion and his hobby. He could usually be found in the field or in the shop getting equipment ready for the field and Sunday drives often included a pass through the implement lots. His love for farming can be reaffirmed by the awards he received from the community.

Donnie was known as a conservative Republican and patriotism was very important to him. You can find a picture of former President George Bush in his office. At election time he was not afraid to post his choices in his yard. He wanted you to "get out and vote" with a good conscience.

Donnie was a kind, compassionate, humble, caring person with a deep Catholic faith and was a lifetime member of St Charles Catholic Church. He was a deep thinker, a man of few words, much more comfortable listening than speaking. His comments or replies, even though often delayed, were fair and to the point, with words carefully chosen. His life has been an example for us and we can all be better people for having known him.

He is survived by his wife, Lenore; sisters, Sharon Burke, Margaret (Tom) Klecker; his children Tom (Twyla), Wanda McKitrick Belland, Bruce (Tammy), Donna (Craig) Speidel, Mark (Kitty), Pat (Angie), Ruth (Paul) Adam, Chuck Stebbins, Randy Stebbins (Donna), Rick (Heidi) Stebbins, Tim Stebbins, and Roxanne (Mark) Breen; 38 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim; his wife, Sue and son-in-law, Ron McKitrick.