Patrick (Pat) Laverne Burke

Patrick (Pat) LaVerne Burke of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on December 21, 2025, at the age of 85.

Pat is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda (Sponsler) Burke; his children, Susan Gallagher (Todd) and Jason Burke (Christina); and his grandchildren, Ryan, Shaylyn, Patrick, and Poppy. He is also survived by his siblings, Janice Whiting (George), Dennis Burke (Gloria), and Stephanie Cardon (Orson).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith (Bakula) and LaVerne Burke, and by his siblings, Dolores Repasy, Bill Burke, Jackie Hunter, Mike Burke, and John Burke.

Pat was born on July 22, 1940, in Jackson, Michigan. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1958 and went on to attend Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He spent 35 years with Consumers Energy before retiring. Pat had a lifelong passion for sports, particularly handball and golf, and in later years paddleball, which he played until the age of 82. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

In accordance with his wishes, Pat donated his body to the Michigan State University Division of Human Anatomy. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Jackson YMCA Youth Sports Program (jacksonymca.org). The family extends a special thank you to Elara Caring Hospice Care for their guidance and compassion.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 135 Years