Stephen “Steve” Merle Burke, age 85, of Addison, passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2026. Steve was born in Addison to Hilah and Grace Burke on June 1, 1940. A lifelong resident of Addison, he graduated from Addison High School and remained deeply rooted in the community he loved, aside from his time proudly serving in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis. He married Nancy, the love of his life, and together they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. Steve was a hardworking man who wore many hats throughout his life, including brick mason, truck driver, and a collector of just about everything. Later in life, he spent many years proudly supporting his son in the family trucking business, always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, and be part of the work he loved. To know Steve was to know strength—God could not have made a man any tougher. He was resilient, hardworking, and undeniably strong, with a personality that was a little rough around the edges—but that was exactly what made him so memorable and so loved. He left an impression on everyone he met. Steve’s legacy is one of hard work, resourcefulness, and deep love for his family. He found joy in the simple, meaningful things—sitting outside the shop on his five-gallon bucket, his loyal labs by his side, watching the day go by. He was known for saving everything and organizing it in his own unique way—often by color—so that if anyone needed something, no matter how small, even down to a single nail, Steve had it. To his great-grandchildren, he was lovingly known as “Red Truck Grandpa,” a name that fit him perfectly, as he always had a red pickup truck and was rarely seen without it. That truck, like Steve, was dependable, familiar, and always there when you needed it. Above all else, Steve’s greatest pride and joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. They were the light of his life and brought him endless happiness. Whether it was sharing stories, offering advice, or simply being present, his love for them was deep and unwavering. Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his daughter Dawn and her husband John; his son Douglas and Daughter-in-love, Cathy; his brother Richard (Martha); his nephew Jeff Burke and niece Abbie Burke-Armstrong; and his cherished grandchildren, Cammie (Ronnie) Kleinschmidt, Derek (Monica) Burke, and Carlyann (Troy) Ries. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Dane Burke, Dakota Burke, and Lila Ries, who continued to bring him immense pride and joy. Steve will be remembered for the life he lived, the family he loved so fiercely, and the legacy of strength, grit, and devotion he leaves behind. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Addison Fire Department in Steve’s memory.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen “Steve” Merle Burke, please visit our floral store.