----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 06/15/1916

Burke, Altie (25 DEC 1869 - 9 JUN 1916)

Just before the break of day on Friday, June 9, 1916, Mrs. Altie Burke, beloved wife of our most prominent and foremost townsman, George Burke, died after a severe illness extending over a period of eight days, of peritonitis. None but those who have sat in the shadow of a great bereavement can justly weight such a sorrow as this. Those who have gone down into the valley of suffering and stood by the side of a loved one, as hope after hope dropped away as the petals drop from a fading flower, know that such anguish cannot find solace in the tenderest words. She wo has gone forth could not be supported on her solitary path by any earthly friend. The husband with a devotion few men are capable of, whose strength was given sweetly, tenderly, to this precious invalid, whose heroic devotion never faltered, could not detain her by the clasp of earthly love. But after the last word had been spoken, the last sign of recognition was gone, a look of peace settled upon her face which, proclaimed victory and he knew she was resting on a mighty arm. Mrs. Burke was an exemplary wife and mother, inspired by love for her husband and children.

She was born in Almond, Wis., on Dec. 25, 1869, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Craig, both deceased, and came here (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) with her parents in 1887. On Nov. 21, 1888, she was united in marriage to George Burke, this union being blessed with six children, John Burke, Mrs. Roy Piper, Lucille, Ruth, Dolly and Bernice Burke and the stricken, also four brothers and three sisters, Fred Craig, Mrs. L. Freedy, George Craig, Mrs. Charles Chamberlain, Al Craig, Mrs. George Alger and Norman Craig survive, and to whom the sympathy of the entire community is extended in their deep affliction.

The floral offerings were very plentiful, showing the great esteem of a large circle of friends.

The funeral took place on Monday morning from St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Father Neises, assisted by Father F. X. Pudlo as deacon, and Father Quinn of Stanley as sub-deacon, celebrated solemn high mass, the attendance being the largest ever seen on a similar occasion in the village of Thorp. During the funeral every business place in the village was closed as a mark of respect. Interment took place in the Catholic Cemetery.