Thomas “Tom” W. Burke

Thomas “Tom” W. Burke

Independence

Thomas “Tom” W. Burke, 74, of Independence, IA, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Tom was born on October 31, 1951, in Independence, the son of John W. and Thelma I. (Kane) Burke. He grew up on the southeast side of town and spent countless hours fishing near the double dams on the Wapsipinicon River. When Tom was in his early teens, his father died. His uncles stepped in and became father figures to him, and his cousins became his brother and sisters. Tom cherished these relationships throughout his life.

Tom graduated from Independence High School in 1970 and immediately went to work. He became an Iron Worker with Local 89 and spent his career contributing to major construction efforts throughout Eastern Iowa. He served as the Iron Working Superintendent for the John Deere Engine Works building and worked on many projects at John Deere facilities throughout Waterloo. General Mills, ADM, Quaker Oats, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics also benefited from Tom’s work ethic, strength and skill. Whatever job he was on, he was considered a “top hand” and was well respected by his Local 89 brothers. His career was cut short in 1996 due to health issues, and on September 29, 2008, he received a heart transplant—an incredible gift that allowed him seventeen more years with the people he loved.

In 1979, while humorously posing as “the Bud Man,” Tom met Denise Clark at Dad’s Place in Independence. They began dating, quietly at first, trying to keep it secret from Denise’s brothers—men Tom knew well from serving as a driver and pit crew for their antique tractor pulls. Tom and Denise were married on October 1, 1982, at the Quasqueton Union Church in Quasqueton.

In the 1970’s and 1980’s Tom was the epitome of “work hard, play hard”. He’d cash his paycheck on Fridays and meet his buddies at Pat’s Tavern. He dabbled in beer league softball and pool league for Pat’s but dropped those once he was married and became a full-time member of “Team Dee”. Born on Halloween, Tom delighted in sharing his birthday with his favorite holiday. He loved giving out candy and insisted he never needed a costume – he just attended parties dressed as himself.

Tom was a keen observer of human behavior and found endless amusement in people-watching. He was clever and quick with a joke, and he relished sharing a good story with friends. In recent years, Tom enjoyed staying current on news and local happenings through his morning breakfast at the Buttermilk Café and his afternoon drop-ins at Pat’s Tap. Tom had a heart of gold and made friends of all ages wherever he went.

He is survived by his wife, Denise Clark-Burke of Independence; his aunts, Barb Burke, Sonya Burke, and Evelyn Sivils; scores of cousins; dozens of nieces and nephews; and countless close friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, John Burke; his mother, Thelma Eschweiler; his sisters, Penny Ahumada and Mary Conrad; a nephew, Chris Conrad; and many beloved aunts and uncles.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, with an open-house Celebration of Life to follow at Reiff Family Center until 4:30 PM. The celebration will continue afterward at Pat’s Tap in Independence. Tom would insist on casual dress code. Inurnment will take place at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, at the Quasqueton Cemetery in Quasqueton, IA.

To leave an online condolence please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.