“Every child belongs to mankind’s family
Children are the fruit of all humanity
Let them feel the love of all the human race
Touch them with the warmth, the strength of that embrace.”
From “Children of Sanchez” by Chuck Mangione
Martin was the first child born to John and Rosemary Burke. They lived on a farm near Coleridge, Nebraska. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Eileen, and sibling Francis.
Martin is survived by four children – Paula Burke of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Leo Burke of Seattle, Washington; Thomas Burke of Gottingen, Germany; and Margaret Burke of Anchorage, Alaska.
He is also survived by siblings John Burke of Crofton, Nebraska; Gerry Burke of Omaha, Nebraska (Mary); Mary Guthrie of Lincoln, Nebraska (Clair); Angie Burke Benal of Lincoln; James Burke of Omaha (Trisha); and Joseph Burke of Lincoln as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends.
Martin attended Cedar Catholic High School in nearby Hartington, NE, graduating in 1976. He played cornet and trumpet in the school band, played football and ran cross country. He starred (with his brother John) in the one-act play “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers,” and played Linus in the musical “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” He was active in Search teen weekend retreats, which emphasized prayer and community.
He attended Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota. He studied music and education, graduating in 1980.
He starred as Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves, in “The Hobbit” (with his brother Gerry) at the Lewis and Clark Playhouse in Yankton.
Martin participated in many instrumental performances while in college, including backing the musical “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off.” He switched to trombone and learned to play guitar.
Over the years, he acquired many musical instruments, and reveled in learning more about music. He worked on a master’s degree in music at St. Thomas University with a focus on the Orff method, which brings a play-based approach to learning music in an active way.
Martin taught music at Holy Trinity Elementary School in Hartington, Nebraska, and later taught school in Westboro, Missouri. He played in the pit band one summer at the Mule Barn Theatre in Tarkio, Missouri.
After moving to Salina, Kansas, Martin taught music at St. Mary’s Grade School. He provided music at church.
Martin later worked in carpentry and shipping and receiving jobs, working for many years at Grain Belt Supply Company in Salina, Kansas. He retired in June, 2025.
Martin passed away surrounded by loving family and treasured friends, hearing the music he loved most in this world.
Martin spent years in recovery, being served and serving others. Martin took his pain and turned it into joy! We need more Martins in this world!
A Celebration Of Life will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 1-4 p.m., at the Alano Club, 1102 Armory Rd, Salina, KS, 67401.