Mary Jo Kurka

Mary Jo (Burch) Kurka was born on March 31, 1954, in Ladysmith, WI, to Jim and Ruth (Overhagen) Burch. She grew up on a dairy farm near Sheldon, WI, and graduated from Flambeau High School in Tony, WI. Mary Jo received her Baccalaureate Degree from Minnesota Bible College and obtained her Nursing Degree from Rochester Community College. On December 27, 1975, she was united in marriage to Gary Kurka in Sheldon, WI. The couple lived in various communities in Wisconsin, South Dakota and Minnesota before settling in Minneota in 1992. Mary Jo worked as a Registered Nurse before being diagnosed with ALS in June of 1997. Mary Jo was proud of her career and would often encourage others to consider nursing. She enjoyed visiting with people and took pride in running the household. She loved and appreciated her nurses and aides. Mary Jo was passionate about her faith and her family. Watching her kids play sports was one of her favorite things. She always had a spot open on her lap for a grandchild. Mary Jo was at her home in Minneota when she was welcomed into heaven on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Gary, of Minneota, daughter Sara (and Kyle) Strickfaden of Norwood-Young America, grandchildren Grace, Noah, Jack and Kate, son James of Dekalb, IL, sons Will, Grant and Ethan of Minneota, parents Jim and Ruth Burch of Ladysmith, WI, brother Scott (and Pauline) Burch of Eau Claire, WI, sister Chris (and Brian) Tippetts of Holmen, WI, brother Bob (and Dutch) Burch of Tomah, WI, brother Jeff (and Brenda) Burch of Garretson, SD, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.