Howard Stephen Burke was born December 28, 1942 in Winner, SD to Howard and Elry Burke and Linnea (Palmquist) Burke.  He graduated from Pierre, SD 1960 and enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He earned his bachelor's degree from Sioux Falls College, Sioux Falls, SD, and his masters degree from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri.  On December 27, 1986, Steve married Nancy Jo McConn in Pierre, SD.  They made their home in rural Larimore, ND.  Steve retired in 1999 from Federal Civil Service at Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND.  After retirement, Steve taught for over ten years at the University of North Dakota in the Recreation and Tourism Department.

Steve truly lived life to the fullest.  He loved his family and his friends.  Steve was passionate about the outdoors and spent countless hunting trips with his son Erik, brothers-in-law, brother and friends.  He thouroughly took pleasure in hunting, fishing, and horseback riding and was always quick with a good story.  Fishing with his grandchildren will forever live in their hearts as fond memories.

Steve is survived by his wife Nancy, rural Larimore, ND; son Erik (Keely) and grandchildren : Jameson, Took and Remi, Northwood, ND; from a previous marriage, son Howard Stephen Burke Jr. and daughter Shelley Burke; brother Bryant Burke, Tyndall, SD; sisters Mavis Rojas, Pueblo, CO; Betty (Eldon) Lindquist, Pierre, SD; Kathy Wells, Pierre, SD; Colleen (Peter) Schumacher, Buffalo, WY. as well as his nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, sister Adele Lillebo, sister-in-law Carol Burke, brother-in-law Don Wells and Hector Rojas.