White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Geraldine L. “Gerry” Burk, 94 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Thursday, November 24, 2011, at the Buchanan County Health Center Long Term Care in Independence. She was born on May 5, 1917 in Vinton, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph Clenan and Eva Mae (Lamb) Turner. She graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1935 and then continued her education at the Independence Junior College. After her graduation she taught in the Buchanan County schools. On July 11, 1939, she and George Thomas Burk were married at St. James Episcopal Church in Independence, Iowa. They eventually became the owners and operators of Bland and Son Greenhouse and Flower Shop in Independence. They sold that business and retired in 1971. George preceded her in death in 1993. Mrs. Burk was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church as long as her health allowed. She also was a member of Chapter BD P.E.O. and the Order of Eastern Star.

Mrs. Burk is survived by 3 daughters, Sandra Krepfle of Dubuque, Iowa, Georgeann (Buzzy) Noel of Fairchild, Wisconsin, and Barbara Kurt of Walker, Iowa, 1 son, Thomas (Barbara) Burk of St. Paul, Minnesota, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, 1 sister, Wilma Selleck, and 1 son, George, Jr., in infancy.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at St. James Episcopal Church in Independence with the Rev. Sue Ann Raymond officiating. Friends may call for visitation on Saturday, from 12:30 until service time at the church hall. A P.E.O. Service begins at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Independence, Iowa.

White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to St. James Episcopal Church in Independence.