John Vincent Burke

John Vincent Burke, 88, passed away on October 30, 2025 at his home in Waterville, surrounded by his family. Vince was born October 9, 1937 in Wenatchee to John and Cecil (Avenell) Burke. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1955 before attending Seattle University. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Ord, serving from 1960-1962 . Vince returned home and went to work for Central Washington Grain Growers, spending 40 years working with many colleagues and farmers until his retirement. Vince married Mary Ann Hannahs in 1964, and they made their home in Waterville. Together, they raised their four daughters, Mary Jo, Jacque, Michelle and Marsha. Their marriage and sense of family were a model to many during their 62 years together. Vince was a devoted husband, father and grandpa to his eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Vince was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying skiing, fly fishing, skeet shooting, golfing, biking and anything else he could try his hand at. He remained active his entire life, downhill skiing into his mid 80s. Vince could often be seen riding his ebike around town, which he did up until his final days. Fresh air and sunshine brought him great joy. Anyone who knew Vince will remember him for his strong faith, integrity and love of his family. He was a man of few words, but when he had something to say it was always worth listening to. He had a quick sense of humor and a remarkable mind and memory. He will be deeply missed. Vince was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and also belonged to the Waterville and Wenatchee Gun Clubs, Desert Canyon Men’s Club, and was a lifelong skier at Badger Mountain Ski Hill and Mission Ridge. Vince was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cecil Burke, his sister, Cecilia (Leo) Roberts, and brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Harriet Burke. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann, his brother-in-law Leo Roberts, his daughters Mary Jo (Mike) Schroeder, Jacqueline (Chad) Clements, Michelle (Jack) Murphy, Marsha (Ryan) Ashley, eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Vince’s family would like to thank Dr. Garrison, Dr. Kummer and the Confluence palliative care and hospice staff for the exceptional treatment and care they provided. Memorial donations can be made in Vince’s name to the Waterville Ambulance or Badger Mountain Ski Hill. A Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on November 7th at St. Joseph’s Church in Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 8th at St. Joseph’s Church in Waterville, with a private interment to follow. Please join us for a luncheon immediately following Mass. Arrangements are by Jones and Jones-Betts Funeral Home.

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John Vincent Burke

October 9, 1937 - October 30, 2025