Markham "Mark" Gustav Burbey's Obituary
Racine – Markham “Mark” Gustav Burbey, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Mark was born on September 24, 1935, in Menominee, Michigan, to the late Curtis Burbey and Carol (née Oaklund) Ball. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Following his service, Mark worked as an industrial electrician for American Motors/Chrysler for many years.
Faith played an important role in Mark’s life. He was a devoted member of Atonement Lutheran Church (now Living Faith Lutheran Church) in Racine and later became a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Menominee, Michigan, after relocating there.
A man of many passions, Mark was a licensed pilot and proudly flew his Aero Commander Dart 100 as an active member of the EAA. He was also a proud and dedicated member of both the VFW and the American Legion. A loyal Green Bay Packers fan, Mark enjoyed cheering on his team. He loved traveling up north and indulging in his favorite treat—ice cream every night. Above all, Mark cherished time with his family, especially attending and supporting his grandchildren at their many sporting events.
Mark will be deeply missed by his children: Christian (Dawn) Burbey and Julieanne Swift; his grandchildren: Jessica Benning, Zackery and Joshua Swift, Caden and Brinnley Burbey, and Nathan Heiligenthal; and his great-grandchildren: Logan and Liliana Hammer, and Colton and Carter Heiligenthal. He is further survived by his brother-in-law, Bill Browder; cousin, Everett Anderson; and other relatives and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Nicholas J. Heiligenthal; sister, Paula Browder; son-in-law, Charles Swift; stepfather, Eugene Ball; and former spouse, Julieanne G. Burbey.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 12:30 PM. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:30 AM until the time of service. A committal service with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine.
The family extends a special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Naweed Chowdhury and his staff for his compassionate care and support.
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