Burke, Michael D. (Ret.) Col. USAF 1-7-34 to 8-29-12 Michael has slipped the surly bonds of earth after a long battle with heart disease. He had a distinguished 26 year career with the Air Force. First as a navigator, then a B52 pilot and crew commander, A10 pilot and FAC in Vietnam, along with serving in the Pentagon and SAC-HQ. Michael was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1968, a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in 1969, The Legion of Merit in 1974, and The Air Metal in 1966. His second career was with Astronautics Corporation as a Program Manager. His kind and gentle heart will be remembered by his loving wife, Elizabeth (nee Wilhelm), children Steve (Karen), their children Sarah and Kathryn; Tim (Kathi), their son Jason (Ashley) and Patrick (Anne); Kerry (Tom) Bortcherching, Erin (Mike) Bull, his brother Peter, sister-in-law Karen and her family, and the dear mother of his children, Suzanne. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doris (nee Bristrow) and Clifton, son Greg, brothers Tom and David and sister-in-law Billie. Visitation at the Funeral Home Tuesday, September 4, 2012, 4:00-8:00 PM, prayer service at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, 10 AM at ST. VERONICA CHURCH, 4001 So. Whitnall Ave. (Please meet at church at 9:45 AM). Entombment and military honors to follow at Forest Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, would be appreciated. We will all miss this dear, loving man, the Irish twinkle in his eye and his warm smile. "Cider 1-0 this is over and out." Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Home Bay View Chapel 3275 S. Howell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414) 483-2322 www.pkfuneralhomes.com