Barbara Jane (Wagner) Burke

Barbara Burke, age 86 of Green Bay and formerly of Hastings, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, December 20, 2023.

Barbara Jane (Wagner) Burke was born on May 31, 1937 in Austin, Minnesota, to Nick and Margaret (Christie) Wagner. The seventeenth of nineteen children, Barbara grew up encircled by family and activity, and – to the end – loved to be surrounded by people.

Barbara attended Pacelli High school in Austin and moved on to her beloved College of Saint Teresa in Winona, MN, graduating in 1960. While there, she met her BFF Diane “Red Shoes” Barry. She also met the love of her life, Thomas Francis Burke, Jr., who was attending St. Mary’s University.

Once graduated, Barbara got her first teaching job in Paris. Paris, Illinois, that is (one of her favorite lines). She and Tom married in 1961 and spent fifty-four years together. They spent most of those years in San Diego, CA, where they raised their four children. After earning a Master’s in Counseling at the University of San Diego, she became a career counselor there, helping many college students discern their vocations.

Barbara was curious about ideas, and especially people. She constantly asked questions, wanting to know peoples’ stories – whether they be friends visiting 6876 Fisk Ave., servers at a restaurant, or checkers at the grocery store. Quick with a compliment for a stranger or loved one alike, she made people feel seen and appreciated. She was a model of hospitality, an expert at making people feel welcomed and included. Barbara’s Catholicism was very important to her, and her deep faith grounded her life. And – like all her Wagner siblings – she knew how to laugh and have a good time, wherever and whenever.

Barbara is survived by her four children – Patrick, of Las Vegas; Jack (Miriam), of San Diego; Christie Babcock (Paul), of Frankfort, IL; Bridget Burke Ravizza (John), of Green Bay, WI; and eleven grandchildren in whom she delighted. She is also survived by two of her siblings, Jeanne Hermanson and Gretchen McNamara – beloved sisters and aunts – as well as countless nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom, and her granddaughter, Mary Kate Babcock.

Our family thanks the people at Unity Hospice in Green Bay who lovingly and compassionately cared for Barbara (and us) in her final days, especially Nurse Brianna.

Mass of the Resurrection will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, Minnesota. Rosary begins at 9:40 a.m., visitation at 10 a.m. Private family interment will be held at the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Barbara’s honor to Whatsoever You Do, Inc. in Green Bay, WI. Donations can be made via their website: whatsoeveryoudo.us.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.