Eleanor A. Burke

Eleanor “Ellie” A. Cleveland Burke, age 94, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024. She was born in Janesville on October 19, 1929, to Jay Cleveland and Illa Taylor Cleveland. Ellie graduated from Orfordville High School in 1947.

Ellie worked many jobs through the years and owned several stores in the area; Clinton, Beloit, Footville and Tiffany, where she was, also, the Postmaster. She was a Hostess for Bishop Buffet and Office Manager for A & B Sheet Metal in Janesville. Ellie was a charter member for the Salvation Army and involved with Rock County Foster Care program for 18½ years. Ellie was very involved with the Elks Lodge. She was Elks Lady President for 7 years and volunteered 18 years and many hours for the Elks bingo program. She knew A LOT of people and formed many friendships.

Ellie was married to S. J. (Bob) Burke until his passing in 2000 and previously to Taylor Hayhurst (deceased), and Ralph Carlson (deceased).

Ellie is survived by her daughter, Peggy (Jeff) Repaal in Illinois; son, Curtis (Robin) Carlson in Beloit; daughter-in-law, Jackie (son William-deceased) Carlson; step-children; Diane (Daniel-deceased) Budnick in Minnesota, Debbi (Marty-deceased) Verhelst in Oregon, WI, Pamela (Charles) Corso in South Carolina and Jean (Robert) Larson in Florida. She was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren in her life.

Ellie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Elizabeth Paulson and her husband Victor; stepdaughter, Nancy (Burke) Vorderman: stepson, James Hayhurst; and stepdaughter, Lynn Steele; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Ames, Phyllis Durrant, Betty Fisher, Jean Thurler; and brothers-in-law, Francis Burke and Donald Burke.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for providing exceptional care and support, especially, Lorna, Star and Chris. Also, the caregivers at Willowick Assisted Living.

Memorials can be made to St. Croix Hospice, 409 Hallberg St., Unit F, Delavan, WI 53115 or Nancy DeWitt Scholarship Fund c/o Ladies Elks, 2100 N Washington St., Janesville WI 53548.

Services are at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Rev. Karla Brekke will officiate. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, July 21st at the funeral home. Private entombment will be in Turtleville Cemetery.

The Burke family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.