Chief Ken Burk

A livestream of the Celebration of Life for Chief Burk is available down below.

Kenneth Wayne Burk, 59, of Winterset passed away on July 21, 2023, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines. He was born on October 1, 1963, at Decatur County Hospital. His parents were Ed and Linda (Graves) Burk. His aunts, Lou and Sandi, were a big part of his life. Growing up, he lived in many places such as St. Charles, Omaha, and Des Moines, before settling in Decatur County.

Ken graduated from Central Decatur Schools in 1982. He earned his Criminal Justice degree through SWICC and DMACC. Even during his high school years, Ken's industrious spirit was evident when he started his own lawn mowing service, tending to almost every yard in Davis City, including the cemetery. He also cooked for many years at the K-Bar-C Supper Club.

In 1984, Ken embarked on his law enforcement career as a deputy in Decatur County. It was during this time that he was fortunate to be trained and mentored by his future father-in-law, Rex Kelley. Three years later, in 1987, he joined the Madison County Sheriff's Office as a deputy, where he continued to excel. Recognized for his dedication and abilities, he was promoted to Sergeant in 1995 and was assigned to the drug task force, playing a vital role in combating drug-related issues in the community.

In 2000, Ken transitioned to work for the Iowa Department of Motor Vehicle Enforcement. In 2003, Ken became the Winterset Police Chief, where he has served for the last 20 years. Throughout his career, Ken demonstrated a passion for his work, cherishing the life he had built in law enforcement.

Ken married Marilee Fairholm in 1990 and they were blessed with two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kylee. They were married for 18 years.

Ken married Tina Kelley in 2012 and along with their children, Paige, Kaitlyn, Colton, and Kylee, became a family that loved doing so many things together. Ken loved to travel with his family and friends. He was a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan. Ken also had a passion for classic cars. In his earlier years, Ken enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his friends. Ken also found joy in woodworking and enjoyed learning about history.

Beyond his professional life, Ken was an active participant in various service groups and organizations. Ken was a member of the Masonic Lodge and served on the Madison County Historical Society Board. In the past, he was a member of the Optimist Club. His dedication extended to the law enforcement community through his involvement in the Madison County Peace Officers Association, Iowa Police Officers Association, and the Iowa Police Chiefs Association.

Ken is survived by his wife, Tina of Winterset; daughters, Paige (Andrew) Lange of Detroit, MI, Kaitlyn (Andrew) Orey of Des Moines, and Kylee Burk of Waukee; Son, Colton (Mary) Toney of Waukee; brother, Joe (Lori) Duncan of Omaha, NE; sisters, Sherry (Bob) Egbert of Osborn, MO and Jennifer (Ryan) Hoover of Ridgeway, MO; 2 grandchildren, Rex Dean Toney, and Vivian Rose Orey; and mother-in-law, Louise Kelley of Davis City. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Linda Burk; father-in-law, Rex Kelley; brother-in-law, Kim Kelley; and cousin, Michelle Sheets.

Family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the New Bridge Church in Winterset. (1305 W Jefferson St, Winterset, IA) A celebration of life will take place at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 28, 2023 at New Bridge Church. Burial will be held at a later date in the Winterset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be used to create a memorial fund with the Winterset Police Department in memory of Ken’s service to the Winterset Community. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.