Gale M. Burke
1958-2025
Gale M. Burke, 66, of Chelsea, died Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family and while under the care of Compassus Hospice. She was born Sept. 18, 1958 in Marshfield to Vernon “Bud” and Marjorie (Boyles) Kowalewski. She grew up in Holway and graduated from Medford High School in 1977. Gale proudly served in the U.S. Army from June, 1976 until her honorable discharge in June, 1979.
Gale initially began working at Abbyland before returning to school to obtain her Certified Nursing Assistant license. She worked as an in-home caregiver for many years, and worked as a CNA at the hospital in Medford until 2006 when she retired due to health issues.
On Feb. 14, 1989, she married Clifford M. Burke, AKA “J.R.” or “Gator.” They resided in the town of Chelsea. J.R. preceded her in death less than five months ago on Sept. 4, 2024. Gale was not the same after his death and died due to medical issues, along with a broken heart.
Gale enjoyed gardening, crocheting, fishing, camping, and taking care of her grandkids. Anyone who visited Gale recently knows she loved watching videos of coin-pushing games which she found exciting and satisfying.
She will be dearly missed by her children, Richard Tilson Jr., Darla (Skip) Williamson, Duska Bonser, all of Medford; siblings, Sally Konieczny, Mark Kowalewski, Lori (Butch) Brandt; grandchildren, Michael Tilson, Preston Sauer, Aryana and Braelyn Williamson, Isabella and Devon Bonser Jr.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Timothy Tilson; and her husband.
A funeral service for Gale will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford. Military honors provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team will follow. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Rib Lake, with a lunch following at Gale and J.R.’s home.
Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at the funeral home.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 164164
