Lois J. PURUCKER

30 DEC 1933 - 30 DEC 2021

• BIRTH: 30 DEC 1933, Niles, Berrien, MI
• DEATH: 30 DEC 2021, Buchanan, Berrien County, MI

• MARRIAGE: 29 NOV 1952, Berrien County, Michigan

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[N31045] Lois J. Purucker
December 30, 1933 - December 30, 2021

Lois J. (Purucker) Burks, 88, from Buchanan, MI, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 30th 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital with her family by her side. Lois was born in Niles, MI, the daughter of Glen and Martha (Liggett) Purucker. Lois was the oldest of eight children. She graduated from Niles High School and was a member of the high school band. One morning, while working as a waitress at Maggie’s Cafe in Niles, she served breakfast to Tom Burks, and from there began a romance that lasted more than 60 years. They were married November 29, 1952 and when Tom returned home from the service they settled in Buchanan and began raising a family. They had three children, Michael, Karen and Brian. Tom was a lifelong volunteer firefighter and Lois did her part helping with numerous activities, bake sales, picnics and other fundraisers in support of the Volunteer Fire Department. She also was a member of the “phone tree” that notified volunteer firefighters of a fire (long before today’s automated communication). She was a very active and long time member of Moose Lodge 449 in Buchanan and served in high regard as Sr. Regent, along with additional rank associated with the WOTM. She also was a member of the American Legion Post 51 Auxillary in Buchanan. Over the years, Lois worked in several businesses in Buchanan, early on at Koenigshof’s Dry Goods, later at Moore’s Department Store and eventually retired from the Post Office after 20 years of service. After she retired, she worked during the summer months at Vites Produce Market, as well as Buchanan Floral. She enjoyed working in her flowers, sewing, knitting, reading and camping with the family. She will also be remembered for her home made noodles and loved “gifting” them to her family. In September of 2005, Tom and Lois were recognized by the Buchanan City Commission for their lifelong service to the community.Lois was preceded in death by Tom, her husband of 62 years; son, Michael; and siblings, Jerry Purucker and Margaret Wilson. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Dave) Carvell, Portage MI; her son, Brian (Gail) Burks, Battleground, WA; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brothers, Duane and Jim Purucker; and sisters, Linda Lee , Judy Haney and Beverly Tucker. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial and burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan is planned for this spring.The family suggests memorials be made to Michigan Chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America or a charity of your choice.
Posted online on January 15, 2022
Published in South Bend Tribune