Though saddened by our loss we are consoled with the knowledge that the Lord has called Ruth to share eternal life.  And even though we were not ready for her passing we take comfort in knowing the she no longer suffers from the pain and illness that shortened her time with us here on earth.

Ruth Annabelle Burke, age 69, of 680 26 ^th Street SE began her new journey on December 31, 2005 from Mercy Medical Center following a long illness.

Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 5, 2006 at All Saints Catholic Church with Father James Blocklinger, officiating.  Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday at Brosh Chapel, Cedar Rapids where a rosary will begin at 6pm with a vigil service to follow.

Ruth was born on December 3, 1936 in Iowa City to Blanche I (Spragg) and Gerd F. Wilken.  She was raised in Oelwein and was a member of the Rainbow Girls.  After graduating from Oelwein High School she lived in California for a brief time and then moved to Cedar Rapids.  She was then employed by Eddy Paper Company.  Here she met her loving husband of 49 years.  Ruth Wilken and John Burke II were married on May 26, 1956 in Anamosa.  They have lived in Cedar Rapids for 49 years and are members of All Saints Parish in Cedar Rapids.  She retired from Square D Company after 37 years of service.

In addition to her husband John, Ruth is survived by her five children John Burke III of Doylestown, PA, Dotti Burke of Cedar Rapids, Roxane (Brian) Marconi of Cedar Rapids, Lori (Paul) Margulies of Perkasie, PA, and Mary Jackson (Todd Zieser) of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren John Burke IV and Sean Burke, Christina Burke, Brittni Lilly, Scott, and KC Jackson; one great-grandchild Maeson Lilly; one step-grandson Sage Zieser; and three step-granddaughters Alexa, Samantha, and Lindsey Margulies.  Ruth is also survived by three brothers Howard (Dorothy) Wilken of Joy, IL, Bob (Peg) Spragg of Davenport, and Dale (Joanne) Wilken of Marion, one sister Luella Carpenter of Norwich, NY, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents Blanche and Gerd Wilken, two sisters Helen Wessels and Marjorie Senchina, and one brother Leonard Wilken.

Ruth's greatest joys in life were her family; she enjoyed spending time with them, especially antique shopping and craft shows with her husband.  She loved collecting dolls, was an excellent cook and artist, she enjoyed making and giving homemade craft items.  Ruth was a hard working, sensitive and caring person, her family and friends will greatly miss her love and dedication.

A memorial fund has been established in her name.