Claude E. Burke
February 21, 1946 – November 21, 2017
Claude E. Burke, beloved husband, father and grandfather died November 21, 2017, at the age of 71. Claude was born February 21, 1946, in Joplin, Missouri. After living in the Kansas City area, his family moved to Colorado in 1957.
Claude enjoyed both academic and athletic success at Widefield High School graduating in 1964. He attended Colorado State University, Colorado State College and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs where he earned degrees in both chemistry and math education. Claude taught science and math courses at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School for 34 years serving as Math Department Chairman during the latter part of his career. He and a colleague developed a math curriculum as the project for their master’s degree program that was used in the junior high for many years. Claude also enjoyed coaching football, basketball and track.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Hutter Burke, daughter Shannon Kelly Burke Cole, son-in-law Joe Cole, grandchildren Josh, Riley and Noelle Cole, younger sister Doris Campbell and her daughter as well as his niece, Jennifer Budge Jones (Justin) and their children Addie, Kelsey and Deven, mother-in-law Rosan Hutter and brother-in-law Fred Streuling. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marjorie Burke, mother and father-in-law Bob and Polly Hutter and sister-in-law Diane Hutter Streuling.
Claude and Cindy celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary last June. They were high school sweethearts and Cindy was the love of his life. They cherished each other’s company through daily life and time spent with their grandchildren and friends. He and Cindy enjoyed visiting antique stores, exploring small towns across Colorado, gardening, bicycling and many other activities at various times during their years together.
Claude was frequently seen on the CMHS campus while his daughter, Shannon, was in high school, supporting her in volleyball, track and academic events. When she was young, he taught her to love the outdoors, animals, music, card games, reading and math and many other things. He coached her in track, teaching her to run hurdles and the 400-meter dash and helped her practice her volleyball serve. She knew he was there for her in any capacity to help her with whatever she needed, throughout life.
In recent years, Claude loved spending time with his three grandchildren, Josh, Riley, and Noelle Cole. Together they enjoyed bike rides, slumber parties, fishing, hot tea by the fire pit, safari and treasure hunts. A teacher at heart, Claude taught his grandchildren how to read, fix bicycles, mow the lawn, play chess and numerous other things. His funny expressions and stories will be fondly remembered. Claude had a zest for life and an exuberant personality that will live in our hearts forever.
At Claude’s request, a family Memorial Service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80907.