Pamela Jean (Barnes) Burke

Pamela Burke, 72, formerly of DeWitt, rejoined her heavenly Creator peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the Josie Harper Residence Hospice House, in Omaha, Nebraska, surrounded by her loving family.  Pamela passed away shortly after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which followed a courageous 35-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

Born in DeWitt, Iowa, on October 31, 1953, to Richard “Dick” and Virginette “Virg” Barnes, Pam attended St. Joseph’s School and Central Community Schools in DeWitt before following her calling to care for others, earning her nursing degree from Franciscan Hospital School of Nursing in 1974.

In 1972, Pam began dating the love of her life, Michael Burke. Pam and Mike were married at St. Joseph’s Church on December 19, 1975, and remained inseparable for the following fifty years.  Their marriage was strengthened by challenge, overflowed with quiet joy, and served as a model of steadfast love and mutual care for all who know them, especially for their children.

Pam and Mike farmed together in rural Welton for several years before moving to DeWitt to raise their family. A natural caregiver, Pam worked as a nurse for nearly twenty years and continued caring for others long after MS made it difficult for her to work professionally. Pam’s heart for service to others extended beyond her home. She was deeply involved in St. Joseph’s school and parish, community activities, and attending her children’s school and sporting events. Pam always found ways to give of herself, whether volunteering as a parish nurse, ministering the Eucharist to homebound friends, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend or stranger in need. Later in life, Pam and Mike made Omaha, Nebraska their home, where she continued to live her faith through acts of kindness and connection, rarely missing the opportunity to acknowledge her loved ones’ milestones with a thoughtful card. Recent winters spent in Arizona brought her sunshine, renewed energy, and dear friendships that she cherished deeply.

Above all, Pam was devoted to her family. She was the proud and loving mother of three children, Ryan (Bridget) Burke of Omaha, Nebraska; Julie (Christopher) Gochnour of Cary, North Carolina; and Angela (Geoffrey Dunn) Burke of Columbia, Missouri. Nothing brought her greater joy than being “Nana” to her five grandsons, Jack, Owen, and Sean Burke, and Greyson and Noah Gochnour. Her grandsons were her pride and delight, and she never missed a chance to share hugs, laughter, board games, books and cookies with them or to brag about her FIVE grandsons to everyone she met.

Pam was a devoted Catholic whose beliefs manifested in her daily life through compassion, empathy, and service. Whether offering prayers for others, listening with a caring heart, or offering a warm smile, Pam’s love reflected the light of Christ to everyone around her.

Pam had an extraordinary gift for connection with others, people were drawn to her kindness and genuine spirit and she cherished her many dear friends. Pam’s life was a testament to quiet faith, enduring love, and the beauty of a generous heart.

Pam’s approach to leading a life with MS with dignity, courage, strength and stubbornness inspired all who were lucky enough to know her, but MS did not define her.  Pam will be remembered most for her love of her family, unwavering faith in Christ and His teachings, and her compassionate care for others. Her warmth, empathy, and deep faith in God guided her every action and touched countless lives. Though she has left this world, her light continues to shine in the lives and hearts of those she loved so deeply.

Pamela is survived by her devoted husband; her three children and their spouses; her five grandsons; her sister, Anita Boenig of Danville, California, brothers, Michael (Cindy) Barnes of DeWitt, twin Patrick (Joyce) Barnes of DeWitt, Gregory (Sheri) Barnes of DeWitt, and Brian (Kathy) Barnes of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; her father- and mother-in-law, James and Maurita Burke of Wheatland, Iowa; eighteen Burke sisters- and brothers-in-law; thirty-four nieces and nephews; and countless friends, all who will carry her spirit in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; brother, William “Bill” Barnes; brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Boenig; and great-niece, Camila Barnes.

Pamela’s family will greet visitors at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at the church on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Pam generously donated her body to medical science. Interment in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, DeWitt, will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family will gratefully accept donations to be used in support of the Multiple Sclerosis at Home Access Program and the Josie Harper Residence Hospice House in Pam’s memory.

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Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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