Inge Burke

Inge (Brenner) Burke, 82, passed away after being surrounded by several family and friends on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Inge was born on June 10, 1941, in Moringen (a town in the District Northeim, in the southern part of Lower Saxony, Germany) to Reinhold and Rosalie (Konig) Brenner. The Brenner family immigrated to the United States in 1955, after being sponsored by a family member of Rosalie’s in South Bend, IN.

When Inge first came to the United States, she started her schooling and graduated from Mishawaka High School. In 1964, Inge married the late Patrick D. Burke, Sr.

For most of her career, Inge worked at Uniroyal with her sister, Elfriede. Before that, she also worked at the South Bend Toy Factory. Inge was a hard worker with determination.

Inge was preceded in death by her parents, Reinhold and Rosalie Brenner; her husband, Patrick D Burke, Sr.; her son, Patrick D. Burke, Jr.; and her sisters and brothers, Bill, Robert, Irvin Brenner, Elfriede Crofts, Maria Dunbar, and Brigitte Elliot. She is survived by her daughter, Yvonne Smith, and Yvonne’s four children: Bruce, Brandon, Douglas, and Dillen Smith. Inge is also survived by Patrick D. Burke Jr.’s children: Cody, Madison, and Mia Burke. Inge also had ten great-grandchildren, as well as several family members across the nation.

The family is truly grateful and would like to thank Walter VanDusen, Kari-Anne VanDusen, Marc Rodriguez, and Center for Hospice Care staff for their unwavering support and compassionate caregiving provided to Inge and the family. They have been an immense source of comfort, and we cannot thank them enough.

Inge was a loving supportive friend to all. She enjoyed having family over for breakfast on the weekends. Her family meant the most to her. She enjoyed visiting with her sisters and family. Inge loved to travel with her sisters and go shopping locally. During Inge’s free time as a young adult, she was a part of a Bowling Club. 

To honor Inge’s wishes, there will not be a formal service. Per her request, there will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with her care.

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