Alden "Dean" A. Burke passed away on August 4, 2014 in Yuma after a long illness. He was born on June 2, 1928 in Drayton, ND to Arthemise and Edward Burke. He was the 10th of 12 siblings. Alden joined the
U.S. Navy in 1950 and was a Seabee stationed in Greenland during the Korean War. While in the Navy, a pretty young girl caught Dean's eye and he married Darlane Bain in Norfolk, VA on June 21, 1951. After the Navy, the young couple settled in Grand Forks where Dean worked as a mechanic for many years. Later, with his brother Francis, they established "Burke Brothers" where they built many subdivisions in the Grand Forks area over many decades. They raised their 3 children, Debra Rae, Dennis Allan and Denice Michelle in Grand Forks. Dean loved to hunt, fish, snowmobile and golf. He had his first "hole in one" at the Grand Forks County Club and later had 2 more "hole in ones" at the Desert Hills Golf Course in Yuma, AZ. After many years as snowbirds, Dean and Darlane retired permanently in Yuma, AZ in 1993 where they both lived out their remaining years. Dean was a lifelong member of the Elks, American Legion,
VFW and Eagles both in North Dakota and Yuma, AZ. Dean is survived by daughter, Debra (Tom) Bougie, Grand Forks, ND and his son, Dennis (Marianne) Burke of Yuma, AZ. Grandchildren: Derek Bougie, Danny Bougie, Danielle DeBoard, Lucas Schafer, Ellen Olson, Jacob Schafer and Joshua Schafer; 10 great-grand children and ya you betcha, one great, great grandson. He is also survived by his 3 brothers, Edward, Thomas and Kenneth; his brother-in-law, Dwain Bain and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlane and his daughter, Denice (Burke) Schafer. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 8, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Desert Valley Mortuary, Somerton, AZ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1815 S. 8th Avenue. Final resting place will be in Drayton, ND. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Humane Society of Yuma.
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