Martin Francis Burke

Martin F. Burke, 95 of Sioux City, Iowa passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2025 the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City with the Very Reverend David Esquiliano, JCL, JV as Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Claire Township Catholic Cemetery in Ute, Iowa. Visitation, with the family present, will begin at 9am Friday morning prior to the Mass at the church. Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Martin “Marty” Burke was born on March 21, 1930. He grew up on a farm outside of Jefferson, SD, with nine siblings. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1948 and completed one year of college at the University of South Dakota. He joined the Air Force and served as a radar technician on the B-36 bomber fleet until he was honorably discharged in 1951 after the death of his father in order to care for his younger siblings and the family farm.

Marty met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Seufert, and they were married in 1965 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jefferson, SD. Marty and Mary settled in Sioux City, IA, where they raised four children and were members of Cathedral parish for 59 years. Thanks to Mary’s excellent care, Marty was still living in his home at the time of his death at 95 years of age.

Marty worked for several businesses in his early career, including the Burroughs Corporation, Kidder-Knoepfler Chevrolet, and Hoerner Waldorf Corporation. He spent the rest of his career working for the City of Sioux City, retiring as Automotive Equipment Supervisor in 1992.

Marty loved repairing things from an early age, but cars were his true passion. He restored and owned many antique cars throughout his life. He did all his own body, paint, and mechanical work. He was a founding member of the Sooland Antique Car Club and attended numerous events and gatherings over several decades. He was always buying and repairing cars, and he maintained a fleet of vehicles (and parts cars) for his family. Marty could fix ANYTHING. He was an accomplished woodworker and machinist. He was also granted a patent for his invention of a three-position pneumatic cylinder.

Another of Marty’s talents was dancing. He and Mary met at Shore Acres ballroom, and they continued to enjoy dancing throughout their marriage. He was especially fond of polka music.

Marty was constantly helping out friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers. He adored his five grandchildren and loved spending time with them during his retirement.

Marty is survived by his wife, Mary; children Joellen (Steve) Van Tuyl, Jana (Kyle) Turner, Jim (Ann) Burke, Jerry (Tonya) Burke; grandchildren Megan (Stephen) Marx, Abby Turner (Omar Lira), Joseph Turner, Zoe Burke, and Ian Burke; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and James, and siblings Alice, Chuck, Dan, Eddie, Kathy, Pat, Raymond, Sr. Joyce, and Tom.