June (Durst) Burling

June Burling, 91, of Carthage, passed away on Friday, June 1, 2018, at the Great River Klein Center in Burlington, Iowa.

June was born on June 26, 1926, in Metamora, Illinois, the daughter of John and Laurena (Kerker) Durst. On February 18, 1950, she was united in marriage to James R. Burling at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria, Illinois. He preceded her in death on April 30, 2006.

A longtime resident of Carthage, June was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she was a member and past president of the Catholic Women’s Club. She volunteered in many civic organizations, as well: American Legion Auxiliary, Women’s City Club, Hancock County Home Extension, and the American Red Cross Grey Ladies at Memorial Hospital. She was a founding member of the 12th Night Celebration.

Following high school, June worked at Caterpillar Incorporated in Peoria. She also worked as a receptionist at WCAZ Radio Station and Robert Morris College. The work that brought her the most joy and satisfaction, though, was that of mother and homemaker.

June is survived by two daughters: Rebecca (John) Gaughan of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Julia Kirk of Burlington, Iowa; three sons: James R. (Michelene) Burling of Monument, Colorado; John (Anne) Burling of Alexandria, Virginia; and Stephen (Bridgett) Burling of Rapid City, South Dakota; one sister-in-law: Ruth Burling; eleven grandchildren: Sadie (Danny) Wynne, John (Jessica) Gaughan, Carey Gaughan,  Jimmy Burling, Bobby (Laura) Burling, Becci Burling, Christopher (Katherine) Kirk, Katy June Kirk, Eleanor Burling, Lilly Burling, and Nathanael Burling; and five great-grandchildren: Abigail Gaughan, Cecilia Wynne, Charlotte Gaughan, Veronica June Wynne, and Jack Burling.

June was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, two brothers: Milt and Maynard Durst, and two sisters: Faye Durst and Hazel Castle. 

June’s gift of hospitality and love of cooking brought smiles to anyone who gathered at her table. Her positive attitude and outlook on life were an example for all who knew her. She lived her life embodying the traits found in the Beatitudes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Carthage. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 7 pm, with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 pm at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. A Christian Vigil Service will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home directly following the visitation.

Memorials may be directed to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Building Fund, Great River Hospice, or Great River Klein Center.  

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