Howard F. Burke, 92 , of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Twin Rivers Care and Rehabilitation Center in Defiance.

He was born on February 8, 1925 to John and Myrtle (Zook) Burke in Holgate, Ohio. He served our country in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1945 to 1947. On January 8, 1949 he married June (Lamb) Burke, who resides in Defiance.

Howard was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, and Defiance Eagles BPOE #372. He worked as a foreman at Zeller Corporation for over 40 years, retiring in 1987. He enjoyed carpentry and remodeling homes, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. He loved his family dearly, especially the grandkids, and making sure June was well taken care of.

Howard will be sadly missed by his loving spouse of 68 years, June Burke of Defiance, son, Tommy (Tish) Burke of Saint Petersburg Beach, FL, daughter, Linda Wiland of  Fort Myers, FL, nine grandchildren: Billie (Brandon) Chupa, Kassy (Nick) Gilliland, Josh Littlehales, Adam Littlehales, Ashley Littlehales, Tina Wiland, Sarah (Ryan) Markham, Julia (Jason) Griffith, and Richard (Jane) Wiland, and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Betty Rayle, and son-in-law, Dexter Wiland.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm on Saturday at the funeral home, with Rev. David Brobston officiating.  Burial will  follow the services at Riverview Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to The Alzheimer's Association.