Roger M. Burke

Roger M. Burke, age 87 of Batesville, died Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Born August 11, 1923 in Cheviot, Ohio, he is the son of Cecelia (Nee: Rottenberger) and Otto Burke. He married Robertine Stromness September 16, 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II and became Engineering Services Manager for Hillenbrand Industries, retiring in 1984 after 27 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1461, the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 and St. Louis Catholic Church.Roger was easy going with a wonderful sense of humor that he wasn’t afraid to direct at himself. Many people remember him as a kind person and the word most often used to describe him was “gentleman”. A dedicated, hard worker, he also enjoyed several hobbies. Although mostly a hacker, he liked playing golf and was also an avid bowler. For years he belonged to leagues at Huser's and the East Bowl. Huser’s was also where he and Doc Pfeiffer would regularly play cards and look for others to join them in a game or two of 7-up while Friday lunches were usually spent at the Brau Haus with a couple of his best friends. A sports fan in general, he would often watch the Reds and Bengals. Roger loved Bobbi’s cooking and her children agree that mom is a superb cook. Desserts were her specialty, the kids pushing for cakes and cookies while dad loved her pies. So, most nights it was pie. Bobbi and Roger enjoyed traveling and were able to see some of the most spectacular sights the world has to offer. Two trips to Hawaii along with a couple of visits to Europe, where on one trip they were able to take in Munich’s Oktoberfest, were among their most memorable. Australia though, was probably their favorite. Those who knew Roger will always remember his famous line when asked “how are you?” He would always reply, “Mentally, physically, spiritually, financially or none of the above?” He is survived by his wife Bobbi, sons Roger of Columbus, Ohio, Steven of Ithaca, New York; daughters and sons-in-law Barbara and Robert Eder of Bodalla NSW, Australia, Christine and Larry Ruehl of Crestview Hills, Kentucky; grandchildren Jason and Jeff Burke, Bailey, Rachel, Bradley and Ryan Eder, Tyler and Alex Ruehl and great grandchild Adam Burke. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Bill. Visitation is Monday, October 11th, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 12th, at St. Louis Catholic Church with Rev. Randy Summers officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. The family requests memorials to the St. Louis Festival Fund or St. Louis School Tuition Angels.

Roger M. Burke

October 5, 1923 - October 5, 2010