MENDOTA – Francis J. Burke, 82, of 89 N. 39th Road, Mendota, died Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at Mendota Community Hospital. He was a self-employed farmer, and a group leader at Motor Wheel Corp., Mendota, for 28 years, retiring in 1994.

He was born May 1, 1929, in Amboy, the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Antoine) Burke. He married Darlene Happ on Feb. 14, 1953, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Peterstown. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Peterstown.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Thomas (Cathy) Burke and Roger (Martha) Burke, both of Mendota; seven daughters, Pamela (Greg) Donoho of Fulton, Eileen (William) Twardowski and Barbara (George) Needs, both of Peru, Diane Spiegel of LaMoille, Nancy (Frank) Brodko and Janice (Steve) Nowlin, both of Mendota, and Beverly (James) Wallery of The Woodlands, Texas; 23 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Daniel (Vivian) Burke and Edward (Lu) Burke, both of Dixon; and three sisters, Mary Ellen Murray of Freeport, Jean Johnson of Louisville, Ky., and Betty (Bill) Widolff of Rock Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Joe Burke; and one sister, Margaret Friel.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m, with a prayer service at 4 p.m., today at Schwarz Funeral Home, Mendota.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Peterstown, with the Rev. Fredi Gomez-Torres officiating.

Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Church Cemetery, Peterstown.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.