Obituary of Gerald "Jerry" Burke

Gerald "Jerry" Burke of Woodbury died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 23, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul surrounded by his family.

He was born in Red Wing, Minnesota to Howard and Helen Burke. He attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1963. He entered the United States Navy in 1964 and was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS America which toured the Mediterranean Sea. In 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Ulstad. He was co-owner of General Repair Service from 1975-2001 when he sold his half of the business and retired.

He and Cheryl enjoyed traveling, especially to Maui, and for several years they wintered in Naples, Florida, until his health declined. He was a member of the American Legion and was a proud U.S. Navy veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, daughter Kelly (Miles) Rhodes of North Branch and son Ryan (Tawnya) of Stillwater, grandchildren, Darshann Hicks, Jr., Jasmine Hicks, Ella Burke, Landon Burke, and Brennan Burke, and two great-grandchildren, Silas and Tobias, five nieces and six nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his father Howard and mother Helen, his brother Eugene "Bud" Burke and infant brother Wayne.

A graveside military memorial service is planned for spring at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.