Donald Carl Burke Sr., 77 of Rochelle, passed away Friday, July 6, 2018 at St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL.  Don was born Sept. 7, 1940 in Rochelle, the son of J. Donald and June (Musselman) Burke. Don married Barbara Copeland July 12, 1980 in Rochelle, IL.  Don was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Adam Herbert and a nephew, Scott Burke.

Don is survived by his wife, Barbara;  sons: Donald C. Burke, Jr., Joseph (Nancy) Burke and Jeff (Kelly) Newman all of Rochelle; daughters: Susanne Burke of Wynne, AR and Ginger (Kevin) Rogers of Rochelle; brothers: Dennis (Nola) Burke of Roscoe, IL; and Dr. Robert (Dr. Roberta) Burke of Rochelle; sister, Kathleen (Curt) Whitney of Rochelle; four grandchildren: Sophia Burke, Jessica (Brian) Chapman, Taylor Rogers and Andy Newman; two great-grandchildren: Deacon and Cheney Chapman; and several nieces and nephews.

A successful real estate broker, Don took great pleasure in finding homes to his clients' tastes and needs. He was an avid collector of vintage cars, storing them in a building he renovated and deemed The Car Palace. Don enjoyed many enduring friendships, Lake Havasu City, AZ., the Chicago Cubs, Perry Mason reruns, and of course, his family.

Silenced and slowed by a series of strokes beginning in 2006, Don spent many hours  conveying his thoughts via his own versions of Pictionary and charades. He was grateful for the loving devotion of his family and many caregivers these last 12 years.  Don stayed close as friends faced medical crises. Many preceded him and many now reflect on his friendship.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 am, Friday, July 13, 2018 at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle with Chaplain Judy Williams officiating.  Burial will follow at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle. Visitation will be Thursday, July 12, 4-7 pm, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to his vintage car club, the Hub City Cruisers. Visit www.ungerhorner.com for online guest book and video tribute.