James E. (Eddie) Burke, 84, of Redfield, SD died Thursday, October 22, 2009 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield.

A memorial will be held at South Dakota Developmental Center Activity Center Gymnasium on Friday, December 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be in the family plot at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Jefferson, SD

Arrangements are under the direction of Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. (www.thelenfuneralhome.com)

James was born August 13, 1925, in Sioux City, Iowa, to James L. and Frances K. Burke of Jefferson, SD. At 3 years of age he suffered the loss of hearing due to complications from tonsil surgery. He entered the School for the Deaf in Sioux Falls, SD in 1931. Later he and his brother, Raymond, were transferred to Redfield State Hospital and School. James enjoyed his work in the power house and cafeteria at the South Dakota Developmental Center. He had many friends among the Center's staff. He was always delighted to see family arrive for visits and was eager to show them around the campus and introduce them to his friends. James resided at the Developmental Center until April of 2008 when he moved to Golden Living Center in Redfield.


Survivors include, three sisters, Alice Dusenbery of Van Buren, MO, Patricia Beermann and husband Howard of La Grange, IL and Kathleen Roster and husband Ed of Farmer, SD; four brothers, Raymond of Yankton, SD, Martin and wife Mary of Sioux City, IA, Charles and wife Bev of Dallas, OR and Daniel and wife Karen of Truckee, CA; a sister-in-law Wanda Burke of . Petaluma, CA and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents in 1951 and 2005, a sister, Sister Joyce (Geraldine) Burke, PBVM in 1992 and a brother Thomas E Burke in 2008.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to the South Dakota Developmental Center in Redfield.