Michael Burko
September 22, 1958 ~ December 20, 2021
Michael Burko, age 63, of Perry, Ohio passed away Monday, December 20, 2021 at TriPoint Medical Center. He was born September 22, 1958, the son of Elizabeth (Kurnot) and Steven Burko. He married Barbara Butler on August 25, 1984 in Solon, Ohio.
Michael retired from a long career as the Chief Ranger for Lake Metroparks. He also worked for the Lake County Sheriffs Department. He was a proud member of the Lake County Fraternal Order of Police and Chiefs of Police Association. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Michael was an avid hunter and especially enjoyed bird-hunting. He was a fisherman as well and could be regarded as a true outdoorsman.
His best role ever was that of being a “Dad”. He was always supportive and cherished time spent with his family. He loved deeply and was well loved.
Michael is survived by his wife, Barbara of 37 years; children, Matthew and Ryan Burko; sister, Marilyn (Dennis) Butler; many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Burko and brother, Steven Burko.
Friends will be received from 10 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at St. Cyprian Church, 4223 Middle Ridge Rd. Perry, OH 44081.
Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Final Resting Place will be at Perry Cemetery. The family is requesting all in attendance to wear masks.
Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
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I had the great pleasure of being Mike’s friend for over 35 years. I was with him at the Metroparks Nature Center the day he met his future wife, Barb. I am so grateful for the countless memories we shared while enjoying the outdoors; whether is was pheasant hunting, fishing, or sitting around sharing a few laughs, I will forever be grateful for all we shared, and will keep these memories close in my heart. I will miss him beyond belief and I will like life far less without him in it with me. It is my saddest day- Jim
Prayers are with the Burko family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Barbara and family, my heart goes out to all of you hearing your husband has passed. Sending our prayers and may the love of God give you peace and strength through this difficult time.
To my cousin Barb and family, and AuntEllen…So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. God has called Mike home to join all that we have lost. Heaven has gained another angel to look down upon you. My condolences to all of you.
Nancy Cody
In memory of Michael
Burko, Ann Fairhurst lit a candle
Dear Barb,Matthew and Ryan, I am so very sorry for the loss of Mike. He was such a wonderful person. Your family is one of the families I remember as the nicest ,,,One of the memories I have of Mike is him running down the sidewalk to the day care door carrying Matthew in the car seat because he wouldn’t take a bottle for him and he wanted me to try. He was such a wonderfgul person,Dad, husband,but I know you all know this. We are so sorry for you loss. JIm and Celeste Sekerak
Barb and family,
I just read the News Herald and saw the story done about Michael. I cannot believe he’s passed; even though I was with him, along with our nurses and doctors almost every day and youself too. What a great loss for all of you and our community. Michael was one of our Heroes for all that he did for us. May he rest in our Lord’s peace. May our Lord bring you and your family and friends His comfort and loving embraces. Michael and yourselves will be remembered in my Christmas Masses. My prayers are always with you!
Dear Barbara, Matt and Ryan;
Sharing my deepest sympathy. May wonderful memories help you during this difficult time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Cathy
Thinking of you Barb, and your family, during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in all of your loved ones.
Barbara, Matt and Ryan
It is with great sadness that we send our love and condolences. We are sorry we will not be with you on Thursday to offer a big hug.
Uncle Bob and Aunt Nancy
Barb and family, we cannot find words to express the magnitude of sadness we have over your loss. Please just know that we are holding you in our hearts and praying that God will give you the strength and peace to get through these difficult times. – Tom and Heidi Curtin
Barb, boys, Aunt Ellen and all my Butler cousins… I am so so sad for all of you to learn of the passing of Mike. May he rest in eternal peace.Please know my sisters and I prayed for him and will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. With much love,
Ellen Keeler
Barb; Matt and Ryan…….words cannot express the sadness in our hearts at the passing of Mike….11 am. mass will never be the same without him. I will always miss the great smile he would share with everyone. Prayers for you and the boys;
Barb and family so sorry to hear of your loss. Michael was always cheerful and thrilled that I got to know during my time with the Cleveland Metroparks Rangers. Always had a good laugh when we ran into each other. Prayers
So sorry for your loss. Mike was a good man and a good friend. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to the family.
God, grant Mike’s family and friends the strength to cope with the loss of this fine man, husband, father, brother, son, friend. Rest in peace Sir.
I offer my condolences and prayers to the family of Mike. He was a true professional.
and always left a positive impression with anyone he delt with. He loved his family with his heart and always could be counted on to assist fellow officers when needed
Rest in Peace Mike and God be with his family.
If you knew Mike at all, you will surely miss him. I didn’t know Mike for all of his life. I met him less than 15 years ago, but we became instant friends. We found we had similar interests, hobbies, political views, etc. You would never be able to find a better friend than Mike. He was caring, loyal, and generous. My wife and I became friends with his family – all wonderful, sincere people. My time with Mike was brief, but very fulfilling. There is no doubt I will think of him every day and miss him. Mike, I wish you well on your heavenly journey.
Barb, Matthew, & Ryan our deepest sympathies. Mike was a kind soul and a wonderful friend. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barb and family, so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking with Mike at our events and on the water. We sure will miss him, he was one of the good guys.
I’m so sorry for your loss. (Bill’s mom)
Barb,
I am so sorry to hear about Mike. May your memories keep you strong during this difficult time.
In memory of Michael
Burko, Selleny family (RHS) lit a candle
We were so sorry to hear this news. We each send prayers. Such a great person!
Scott, Denise, Scotty, Emery and Emma Hunt