Bernal A. Burke age 97 of Carr Settlement, MI, passed away on November 3, 2013 at Tendercare of Ludington. He was born May 3, 1916 in Carr Settlement, Mason County, MI, son of the late Fred and Irma (Nelson) Burke.
He graduated from Ludington High School in 1932 and served in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant during WWII Signal Corp in the European Theater and received a Bronze Star. Bernal married Doris Hunter on March 30, 1946 in Grand Rapids. He was employed by Heinz Pickle Factory in Saginaw, MI, worked in construction in Mason County, also worked as a stockbroker, served as Mason County Treasurer from 1973-1996. He was very proud to be the longest serving Mason County Treasurer. Bernal was a lifelong farmer; raising sheep, chickens and turkeys. He was a long time figure in local government and was on the Carr Settlement Fire Department, the Mason County Board of Commissioners and a number of state and local boards including the Mason County Building Authority. Bernal was a past member of the Rotary Club, the Toastmasters and enjoyed animals, his dog and classical music.
Bernal is survived by his wife Doris of Branch, MI; son: Robert (Toni) Burke of Branch, MI; daughter: Mary (Steven) Baker of Lake Ridge, VA; sisters: Margaret Baker of Ludington, MI; Lucille Harley of Chicago, IL; grandchildren: Ami Thompson of Ludington, MI; Heather Burke of Emporia, KS; Amanda Rahn of West Chester, OH; Matthew Baker of Grand Rapids, MI; Alexandra Baker of Cambridge, MA; great-grandchildren: Summer and Seth Thompson both of Ludington.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother: Ward Burke.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday November 6, 2013 at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington with Pastor Richard Miller officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation at the funeral home from 10:00 am until the time of service.
Burial will take place at McCumber Cemetery in Carr Settlement, Branch, MI.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Carr Settlement Fire Department.
The family has entrusted Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center with arrangements. Please visit Bernal’s personal web page at www.oakgrovefh.com

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