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BOB G. BURKE
Nov. 30, 1942 – Aug. 22, 2020
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It is with deep sorrow and so much love that we mourn the passing of Bobbie Gale Burke. A resident of Oakdale, CA, Bob passed away on August 22, 2020, at the age of 77.

Bob was born on November 30, 1942 to John Harrison Burke and Winnie Juanita Cranford. On October 6, 1962, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Beth) Kay Rask, in San Leandro, CA. Over the years, Bob and his wife lived in Pleasanton, CA (1965), Tracy, CA (1967) and Oakdale, CA (1999).

They raised their four daughters working hard on the ranch and teaching them the intricacies of raising horses. Bob and Beth always had an open door and their home was surrounded by family and close friends. If someone showed up at their home, Bob insisted that they stay for dinner and when they tried to leave at the end of the night, he always said, “You don’t have to hurry off!”

Bob retired from Owens-Illinois in 1996 as a machinist after 35 years. He was extremely skilled in his trade and took every opportunity to expose these skills to his daughters and grandchildren. Bob was also an avid horseman. He had a unique ability to breed, foal, and train quality horses. Before his father passed, you could always find them working together in the horse arena. Bob left behind his pride and joy stallion, “Woody”, who will live the rest of his life retired out in the pasture.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Debra (Nick) Farinelli (Le Grand, CA), Donna (Jon) Ostlund (Meridian, ID) and Tammy Kay Burke Loprieato (Oakdale, CA); 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister Glenna Sue (Jerry) Simpkins (East Aurora, NY); as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Bob was sadly preceded in death by his dear wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Kay Burke; daughter, Mary Kathleen Burke (Katie Mendes); and his parents, John Harrison Burke and Winnie Juanita Burke (Cranford).

Bob G. Burke loved fiercely. He was the constant within his family, being present always and taking advantage of every teachable moment. Anyone who knew Bob can tell a story which will include something about his kindness and compassion and that they are better people because of him.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. All services will be held at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Road, Turlock, CA 95380. Following the funeral, Bob will be laid to rest at Turlock Memorial Park.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

Sept. 2, 2020