Signie Burke

Signie Burke
Signie Burke, 109, Hibbing, formerly of Goodland, passed away peacefully on Nov. 25, 2011, at Guardian Angels Health Care Center in Hibbing.  She was born at home on July 4, 1902 in Mahoning Location to Erick and Amanda (Johnson) Benson, who both emigrated from Sweden.  She attended schools in North Hibbing and graduated from junior college with a teacher’s certificate.  She later attended Bemidji State College.  Signie’s first teaching job was in Bear River and she also taught in Blackberry.  In 1929, she moved to Goodland to teach.  She met Frank “Bud” Burke of Goodland and they were united in marriage on June 13, 1936.  She and Bud were married for over 50 years.   Signie retired from teaching in 1968, having taught for 47 years.  She loved her family and was a dedicated teacher.     She was a member of the Goodland Presbyterian Church and bible circle, and the Goodland Senior Citizen’s Club.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Gary) Becicka of Hibbing and three grandchildren:  Kevin (Roz) Becicka, Kelly Becicka, PHARMD, and Patrick (Julie) Becicka, DDS; 5 great-grandchildren:  Melanie, Carey, Anna, Ellie, and Nicholas Becicka.  She also had several wonderful nieces and nephews that came and spent time with her and sent frequent cards and letters.  She also had many former students that have kept in touch with her over the years.  Signie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters Eleanore Yost, Edith Johnson, and Emily Swanson, brothers Walter and Harry Benson, and a half brother, Alfred Benson.
Visitation will be Thursday December 1, 2011, in the Goodland Country Church from 1 PM until the 2 PM funeral service.  The Rev. Bill Grogan will officiate.  Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Goodland.   Arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home, Hibbing.

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