Dean M. Burk

Dean M. Burk, 62, of Highland, IL, died Thursday, October 7, 2010, at his residence.

He was born October 24, 1947, to Edgar “Bud” and Madella (Nee Schaefer) Burk, in E. St. Louis, IL.  On June 29, 1967, he married Janean Clare Sentenne, of Highland, in Quincy, IL.  They went on to have 3 boys.  That marriage ended in 1975.  In 1979, he married Vickie Vanzo, in Marine, IL.  They went on to have a daughter.  That marriage ended in 1984.

Dean grew up in Lebanon, moved to Highland where he became a star athlete in baseball and basketball.  He graduated Highland High School in 1966.  He was then selected by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 1966 Major League Baseball Player draft, chosen 5th overall.  An unfortunate arm injury, early on, ended what appeared to be a very promising professional career.  After baseball, he returned to Highland and opened up Buffalo Brewing Co. which he ran for several years.  He then went on to work with E. F. Trucking for many years.  Up to the end, Dean was a big supporter of Highland Bulldogs sports, and remained a passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs.  He was an avid hunter and collector of American Indian artifacts since he was 7 years old.   He was a proud member of the Illinois Archeological Society.

He is survived by: 4 Children, Dean Michael (Jennifer) Burk, Jr., Naperville, IL, Matthew (Tina) Burk, Oak Park, IL, Jonathan (Veronica) Burk, Western Springs, IL, Casie (Timothy) Burk Jones, Springfield, IL; 9 Grandchildren, Jack, TJ, Mikey, Tommy, Lucy, Annie, Madisyn, Mia, Greyson; 2 Sisters, Patricia Burger, Lebanon, IL, Joan (Ron) Christ, Lebanon, IL; 1 Brother, Terry Burk, New York, NY; Several loving Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by: His Parents, Edgar “Bud” and Madella Burk; 1 Grandson, Jonathan Burk; 1 Sister, Jeanne Weiss; 2 Brothers-in-law, Carl Weiss, Lowell Burger.

Visitation: Sunday, October 10, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 11, 2010, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, October 11, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL, at 11:00 a.m.

Clergy: Rev. Charles A. Edwards, Pastor, St. Paul Church, Highland, IL.

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lebanon, IL, at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Lee Iten Post 439 American Legion

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL