Louise A. Burke

Louise A. Burke, 89, of Ottawa, KS, was welcomed into Heaven September 3, 2020; she was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Memorial service will be held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Westminister Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Kansas Louise was born in Louisville, Nebraska on August 10, 1931, to Arnold and Lillian (Adelgren) Tiegreen. Moving to Chanute she attended 3 schools graduating in 1949. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ottawa University in 1954, and her Master of Library Science from Emporia State College in 1970. Louise married Clifford Burke on April 18, 1954 in Eureka, KS; theirs was a loving relationship which endured for over 66 years. Her first teaching experience was at Appanoose (near Pomona) with teaching responsibilities for grade and high school students. While her husband was attending Seminary, she worked in the President’s office at the University of California, Berkley. Upon returning to Kansas she taught in KC schools before being hired by the Ottawa School District teaching at Lincoln in the first and fifth grades, at the Junior High School for women’s physical education, teacher, and librarian, then as librarian at the Senior High School; after teaching, counseling, advising, and frequently sponsoring the Student Counsel, she retired in 1993 with joyful memories having worked with some of Ottawa’s outstanding young people. During those years she faithfully supported her husband and the various churches he served, they hosted numerous Bible Studies at their home, first for OU students, then members of Westminster Presbyterian Church and First Baptist Church; likewise they hosted, almost every year, various reunion gatherings of OU Alumni, was significantly involved with the establishment of Habitat for Humanity in Franklin County, helped develop church libraries in three different locations, and was honored, with her husband, by Ottawa University and local civic groups: together they received several awards including Habitat for Humanity’s “Hammering Out Their Faith Award”, and the Rotary Club’s “Service Above Self” award, and the Ottawa University Alumni Association’s “Distinguished Service Award” which recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding professional competence and accomplishment. Louise was preceded in death by her mother, her father, and her sister, Evelyn Tiegreen. Louise is survived by her loving husband, Clifford Burke of Ottawa, KS; her older brother, William Tiegreen, Lenexa, KS; three children, Alan Burke and wife Wilma of Salina, KS; Lary Burke and wife Jennifer of Kansas City, MO, and Janean Clark and husband Yorton Clark, Jr. of Spring Hill, KS, eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family suggests memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity, Westminster Presbyterian Church, or First Baptist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067.