Kevin Robert Burke

Kevin Robert Burke, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 25, 2026. His family takes comfort in the fact that he passed away peacefully in his recliner reading his Bible, with his beloved dog Princess beside him.

Born on June 6, 1967, in Racine, Wisconsin, he is the son of John “Jack” Burke Sr. and Suzanne Burke. Kevin graduated from William Horlick High School Class of 1986, where he lettered in varsity football. After High School, Kevin went on to serve in the United States Navy. As part of the Medium Attack Weapons Detachment in El Centro California, he specialized in Aircraft Hydraulics for the A6 Intruder. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Kevin studied Kinesiology at UW Parkside. Kevin then began his career with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department working as a deputy for 25 years. During his tenure at the Sheriff’s department, Kevin also became certified as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). During this time he was awarded Drug Recognition Expert of the Year and became a DRE Instructor. To further his discipline of the effects of drugs and alcohol on the human body, he attended the Borkenstein Course at Maastricht University (Netherlands). His passion and expertise were recognized locally, nationally and internationally-where he was invited to speak at various seminars and conferences. Kevin also developed his own Field Sobriety Test, known as “The Burke Test”. After his retirement from the Sherriff’s Department he began self-employment through his own consulting firm, Kevin Burke & Associates, specializing in Impaired Driving Case Consulting.

Additional personal accomplishments of Kevin’s include participating in Wisconsin All Natural Body Building Competitions, building a complete custom chopper motorcycle from scratch and became a published author of his book “Backwards God?!”

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Kevin was a true man of faith who loved his girls more than anything in this world. His unwavering faith in God drove him to adapt, overcome and keep moving forward. He was a dedicated public servant with a deep commitment to public safety and a strong moral compass. He was the kind of man who would pray with inmates holding onto the hope that they would heal and seek redemption.

Kevin had a huge heart, a passion for spreading The Word, and a genuine desire to leave this world better than he found it. He was a devoted disciple of Christ, a public servant, a loyal friend, a brother, and above all a loving father.

Our hearts are broken over Kevin’s sudden passing, but we remind ourselves through this grief, of Kevin’s belief and acceptance in God’s timing, which is often beyond our understanding. Kevin is at peace, that which is granted only through the salvation of Jesus Christ. Kevin would want above anything else, for you to know and accept this for yourself, if you do not already.

Throughout all his work, ministry and projects, Kevin never missed an opportunity to pause and enjoy a quality cup of coffee with others.

Kevin will be dearly missed by his daughters, Reese & Avery, brothers: Tim (Rachelle) Burke, John (Ann) Burke; sisters: Colleen (Chris) Burke, and Maureen Burke; nephews: Connor (Danielle) Burke), Collin (Adrianna) Burke, Caden & Johnny Burke; nieces: Tiarra Jackson and Alissa Burke. He will also be missed by close friends and mentors. Preceded in death by his parents: John E. Burke Sr. and Mary “Suzanne” Burke.

Friends and Family are invited to celebrate Kevin’s life on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Grace Church 3626 Hwy 31, Racine, WI 53405. Visitation is from 9am – 11am with service to follow at 11am with Pastor David C. Montgomery officiating. Interment to follow, with full military honors, at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy. 32.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to causes close to Kevin’s heart:

Kingdom Word Global Impact Ministries – Jail Outreach Ministry, 6442 – 22nd Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143.

Franklin Flame Fast-Pitch Softball Facility. flamesoftballwi@gmail.com