Mary J. (Kasel) Burke

Mary Jean Burke (Kasel) passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on January 2, 1937 in Hastings, MN to Elizabeth and John Kasel. She was raised in Vermillion, MN and attended school in Hastings.

She married Eugene “Bud” Burke on September 2, 1961 in Vermillion, MN. They lived in Red Wing, MN where they raised their 5 wonderful children.

Mary had a long career in accounting, working at Ehlers, Banitt Motors and Walser Chrysler. She loved all of the social aspects of working and made so many wonderful friends. Her most rewarding and greatest accomplishment in life was being a wonderful, loving mom and grandma to her 5 kids and 6 grandkids. She loved her family immensely and unconditionally. Her most treasured times were family vacations up north where the loons call and campfire conversations filled the air, holiday gatherings, doings with extended family and just about any time she could gather with the people she loved. Mary brought joy and laughter with her wherever she went. There was never a dry eye when you were with her. Her beautiful smile and infectious laughter will be cherished for years to come! Mary looked so forward to cheering on the Vikings every fall, crocheting beautiful afghans, bird watching, Hallmark channel shows and baking her famous kuchen bread and ginger snap cookies! At any given time, we could always count on enjoying her famous pickles that she kept stored in an ice cream bucket in the refrigerator. She was such a simple, wonderful, kind soul who will be missed by all that were so fortunate to have known and loved her.

Mary’s spirit lives on through her children, Gary (Joyce) of Troutman, NC, Mike of Red Wing, Joan Gray of Roseville and Sue (Mike) Haydon of Rochester; six grandchildren Taylor, Justin, Max, Esme, Kinzie and Kacey; sister Jan Niederkorn of Hastings and several nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Jean Burke and brother Tom Kasel.

Mary’s family will be having a joyous celebration of her life on Saturday, June 10 from 12:00-2:00 at 147 Cannon View Dr, Red Wing, MN. We welcome you to stop by for a bite to eat, some laughs and the chance to reminisce about the fun memories that you have of our sweet mom.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the wonderful, caring staff at Lake City Mayo Clinic Hospital who lovingly took care of our mom for the past 3 weeks. Their kindness and compassion is appreciated beyond measure.