Joel Joseph Burke

Joel Joseph Burke of Grand Rapids, passed away on July 21, 2024 in the peace of his home.  He is survived by his loving partner of 25 years, Mary Koewers. 

Joel was born on September 7, 1936, during the Great Depression.  He was born to Joesph and Dorothy Bernaciak in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During Joel’s childhood, his family moved about the Detroit area while his parents worked in factories to support World War ll efforts, before returning to Grand Rapids. 

As a child, Joel was an avid reader and comic book collector. He was a bright student at St. Isidore’s and then Catholic Central High School.  Joel spoke fondly of his school years at St. Isidore’s, crossing the street to Maxim’s Market, and special school chums. During these years, the foundation of his life was his dear mother, Dorothy, with whom he remained very close until her death in 1997. One thing his parents instilled in Joel was a love for music, and he became a decent accordion player.  Joel happily played gigs with a band at Polish Halls. After high school, Joel joined the National Guard, where he served for 8 years. He also attended Aquinas college. 

It was at Aquinas that he met his former wife, Janice.  They later married and had three daughters together.  With his young family, Joel went on to attend the University of Michigan and followed by Western Michigan University to finish his dissertation- all typed up the old-fashioned way, on a typewriter! Joel earned a PhD and spent his life working at Purdue University, Union Trust Bank, Interstate Motor Freight, Amway, venturing into entrepreneurship, and even moonlighting as a car salesman. Along the way, Joel and Janice amicably ended their marriage, but remained friends for the rest of Joel’s life.

With daughters grown, Joel entered a new chapter in his life when he met Mary Koewers.  In his retirement, Joel and Mary enjoyed travels, going out dancing, and a small circle of friends and family.  A special joy to Joel was his very cute, smart, and intuitive cat, Bozo. Joel and Bozo loved to walk the halls of their condo unit together as he aged.  Mary loved and cared fondly for Joel until his death.

Joel had a larger-than-life personality.  He always sought out Hallmark cards with a beautiful sentiment and hand signed them for every occasion.  Joel had a hearty laugh and believed deeply in social justice.  These things will be sorely missed.

Joel was preceded in death by his beloved parents Joseph and Dorothy, sibling-like cousin Maxine Kowalik, step-son John Koewers, and infant granddaughter Grace.

He is survived by his dear Mary, his three daughters Diana Carpenter (Steve), Judy Mikrut, Susan Gelderbloom (Chris). Grandchildren, Elizabeth (Brian), Jacob (Araya), Alex, and Nathan. Great grandchildren, Evelyn and Emerick.  Also left to grieve are Mary’s children Deanna Markham and Kimberly Koewers, and her grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Ada Park Pavillion, 1180 Buttrick Ave SE, Ada. MI 49301

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