Dan Burke was born on October 28, 1949, in Hamburg, Iowa to Gloria (Renshaw) and James Burke. He was a member of the 1967 graduating class of Rock Port High School. Dan built his family home on the Burke Family farm right down the hill from his childhood home where he spent his entire life as a proud resident of Rock Port, Missouri.

Dan was united in marriage to Betty Jo Harrington on February 2, 1968. Together, they share 3 children; Christy, Jason, and Matthew. Betty and Dan later divorced. Dan met DJ Dodson in 1991. Together, they share 3 children; Kavin, Ryleah, and Kaci. Dan and DJ were eventually united in marriage on March 13, 2013.

Dan was a man of many skills. He worked for Burke’s Lumber Yard through his high school years, Rolf’s Supply; selling seed corn and fertilizer after high school until they closed. Dan later became a Wilson Seed Rep for the Northwest Missouri area. After that, Dan began working in Nuclear Power Plants where he traveled to various power plants until retirement. In between power plant jobs and after retirement he always carried a side job; whether it was carpentry work with Danny Cooper, rebuilding tractors, or raking and bailing hay Dan always found a way to stay busy or in a field. Dan had a love for all animals. He always had pastures full of livestock; cattle, goats, and sheep. He was also known to raise rabbits and chickens. No matter his age, Dan could always be found at many of the surrounding Flea Markets, Auctions, and Sale Barns on a regular basis. In his younger years, Dan enjoyed coyote and coon hunting as well as fishing. He spent many nights and weekends walking the timber or on the water in his boat. One of the many things Dan was known for was his love of gardening. He always had a large sweetcorn patch and a huge garden filled with everyone’s favorite garden-fresh vegetables that he loved to share with the community.

Dan loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Introducing them to the baby goats and sheep and taking them to the field on the tractor were two of his favorite things. He was well known for his story telling and sense of humor. Dan passed away Monday, August 31, 2026, at his home in Rock Port, at the age of 76.

Dan is survived by his wife, DJ of the home, 6 children; Christy Masonbrink, Jason Burke, Matt (Sandy) Burke, all of Tarkio, Missouri, Kavin (Elyssa) Burke of Duncan, Oklahoma, Ryleah Burke (Brandon Oestmann) of Sloan, Iowa, and Kaci Burke (Tanner Greene) of Rock Port; 21 grandchildren, Melissa, Rick, Jordan, Jase, Jacob, Jamie, Ryan, Madison, Skye, Devin, Tristan, Dani, Weston, Karter, Kavery, Jakleigh, Audrina, Emmett, Merritt, Zeppelin, and Opal; 21 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; his sister, Jennifer Casey of Rock Port.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents; Jim and Gloria Burke; daughter-in-law, Wendy Burke, son-in law, Roger Masonbrink; brother-in-law, Pat Casey; two nephews, Chad and Travis Casey; mother-in-law, Virginia McCroskey; many cousins, and many lifelong friends.

Celebration of Life: 1:00-3:00 P.M., Sunday, September 6, 2026, Velma Houts Building, Rock Port.

There is no scheduled visitation.

Private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials: Danny Burke Memorial Fund.

Arrangements: Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.

www.minterfuneralchapels.com