John "Jack" Richard Burk

John R. “Jack” Burk, Sr., age 71, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at his home in Hammond, Indiana.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane S. Burk (nee Stinson); son, John R. Burk, Jr. (Nicole E. Burk); daughter, Kristine E. Stasi (Steven L. Stasi); stepdaughter, Nicole M. Stinson (Christopher G. Tucker); grandchildren, Nora M. Burk, Paisley Q. Burk, Christopher K. Tucker, Jessica K. Tucker, Dalaina S. Tucker; sister, Georgeann York- Crosslin (Thomas Crosslin); brother, Steve Burk; sister-in-law, Debra L. Olsson; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, William Burk and Elsie Burk (Merkell), and his beloved greyhound, Nash.
Jack was born on August 31, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois and attended George Washington High School. Jack was a proud member of United Steelworkers Local 1010 and retired from ArcelorMittal in East Chicago, Indiana in 2020. Prior to that, he worked at Crucible in Illinois for 20 years.

An avid hobbyist, he held an impressive collection of coins, train memorabilia, and ham radios. He volunteered as a boy scout leader and football coach. Jack enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including bonfires with friends, road trips across the country with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, and caring for his fish. He was very proud of his Swedish heritage and a lifelong Cubs and Bears fan.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 p.m., at Hillside Funeral Home in Highland, Indiana. All are welcome to join the family and share memories in honor of Jack’s life.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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