John Burke

After teaching at Ricker Junior High In Buena Vista for one year after my graduation from Saginaw Valley in 1969, I took a "temporary" job with General Motors. I retired from GM in 2004 after 34 years. I spent my first eight years as an hourly machine operator, the rest in various salaried positions, Dept. Supervisor, Quality Systems Coordinator, Manufacturing Engineer, Maintenance Reliability Engineer (my last assignment) and even a couple of years in Plant Security during the downturn in the late 70's and early 80's.
I've also been active in our congregation at Zion Lutheran Church in Beaver Township in Northern Bay County. I'm currently the Vice-Chairman of the congregation (Chairman in the 2nd year of the term) for the third time and have served as Elder, Chairman of the Board of Christian Education, Sunday School Superintendent, Stephen Ministry Leader, and Building Committee Co-Chair. I've also had the opportunity to lead several Bible classes and taught Confirmation Class one year when we were temporarily down to one Pastor.

Besides involvement with the Church, my main interests are fishing (especially fly-fishing), hunting, and singing with the "Men of Music" group here in Midland. And, of course, spending time with the love of my life, Kathy.
We had quite a scare back in December of 2014 when Kathy was struck by a car. She suffered numerous broken bones, but has made great strides in her rehabilitation, though full recovery is still some time away. Meanwhile, I'm working on my cooking and cleaning skills, although Kathy is getting more involved once again.

Kathy and I have been fortunate in that we have been able to travel to Europe on three occasions, as well as her accompanying me on a business trip to Mexico. Until this year, we have spent the majority of the Winter in our motorhome at RV parks in Texas and Mississippi.
We also enjoy camping here in Michigan, especially in the Rifle River Recreation Area, near Rose City.

Can't print my favorites, but one that comes to mind is the "deodorant fight" with Gary Campbell just before Prof. Frederichs' history class. I remember "Fritz" was just a bit upset.