in memoriam

expanded eulogies

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Wanda Burk

Wanda Claire Hannaford Burk died peacefully at the age of 89 at her home on May 1, 2018, in the presence of her loving family.

Wanda was born Aug. 4, 1928, in Marion, Kansas. Her parents were Roger W. “Mike” Hannaford and Norma Sigrid McCullough Hannaford. She had a younger brother, Roger W. “Bud” Hannaford of Marion, Kansas, and a younger sister, Mary Margaret Hannaford Exline of Salina, Kansas.

She was baptized in Marion Presbyterian Church in Marion, Kansas, and was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church her entire life. Wanda attended Marion schools and graduated from Marion High School in 1946. She attended Colorado Women’s College, graduating in 1948.

She met her husband, Swen Burk of McPherson, Kansas, in Colorado as he was attending Colorado A&M. Wanda and Swen were married in 1948 and together had four children: Kenneth Burk, Kristine Burk Springer, Kathryn Burk Nicholson, and Karen Burk Watts.

She and Swen raised their children on the Burk farm in New Gottland, Kansas. She was involved in their activities, which included Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Saddle Club, and 4-H.

After her children were grown, Wanda moved to Denver, Colorado, for 18 years before moving to Colorado Springs to be closer to family.

Family was very meaningful to Wanda. She looked forward to every visit, every get-together, and each reunion. She enjoyed many lifelong and steadfast friendships in her life. She loved to entertain and cook in her home for her friends and family. Wanda was the ultimate hostess.

Wanda was honored to have just celebrated her 70th year as a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was a member of Progressive Literature and several bridge clubs.

She was a devoted and loyal Denver Broncos fan and rarely missed seeing a game. Wanda was known for her incredible wit and her delightful sense of humor; it was always fun to be in her company! She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed by many.

Her parents; Swen; and brother preceded her in death.

Wanda is survived by her sister, Mary Exline and husband, Bob, of Salina, Kansas; her children and their families, including Kenny Burk and wife, Pam, of Pueblo, Colorado, and their children, Kassie Ryder, Ken Burk and wife, Brenda, and Kyla Taylor; Kristine Springer and husband, Steve, of Manhattan, Kansas, and their children, Mandy Springer and Dan Springer; Kathy Nicholson and husband, Bob, of McPherson, Kansas, and their children, Mike Campbell and wife, Bailey, Justin Campbell and wife, Ashley, Jennifer McConnaughy and husband, Luke, and Kristen Turner; Karen Watts and husband, Charlie, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and their children, Taylor Rowe, Jeff Watts and wife, Cathy, Molly Klenovich and husband, Craig, Tyler Watts and wife, Heather, Michael Watts and wife, Gillian, and Michelle Watts; and 25 beautiful great grandchildren.

“We love you every day. And now we will miss you every day.” — Mitch Albom

A graveside service will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, May 28, 2018, at Marion Cemetery in Marion, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marion Presbyterian Church, 610 E. Lawrence St., Marion KS 66861, or P.E.O. International (Cottey College), 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines IA 50312.