Joyce Burke-Simmons

View Funeral Webcast

Joyce Burke – Simmons, age 81 of Belle Fourche, died Monday, April 12, 2021 with her loving family by her side at the Belle Estate in Belle Fourche.

The funeral service will be held 1 pm Monday, April 19, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Belle Fourche.  Visitation will be held 4 to 6 pm Sunday at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.  Interment will take place in Pine Slope Cemetery.

Joyce Arlene Bauer was born December 23, 1939 in New Underwood.  She was the daughter of George and Doris (Dow) Bauer.  Joyce grew up on a family ranch at Fairpoint, along with her siblings: Jack, Bill, Margaret, Virginia, and Pete.  Joyce was a graduate of the Newell High School.  Afterwards, she was united in marriage to Philip Burke on June 7, 1958.  To this union five children were born: Julie, Pat, Angie, Joe, and Ed.  For many years they ranched near Castle Rock.  Joyce loved the ranch life, raising sheep and cattle, and gardening as well.  She was known for her beautiful flower gardens, and had a wonderful talent. 

Joyce loved her family and she was always there for them.  She also brought so much happiness into anyone she was around.  After Phil died, she still had that strong strength within her.  On March 13, 1992 she was married to Don Simmons.  Following their marriage, they lived in Nemo.  Joyce loved nature, and while living in the Hills she enjoyed the beautiful birds, elk, deer, and the pretty pine trees amongst the snow.  She always encouraged her family to never worry, but be happy.  She will be greatly missed.

Joyce is survived by her sons, Pat (Ronna) Burke of Newell, Joe (Jane) Burke of Newell, Ed (Michelle) Burke of Brookings; daughters, Julie (Bernie) Goethals of Belle Fourche, Angie (Burt) Darrt of Wall; 15 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; brother, Pete (Jo) Bauer of Newcastle WY; sister, Margaret Mutchler of Sturgis; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Dick Keil of Newell; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Bauer of Piedmont.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Philip Burke and Don Simmons; granddaughter, Jennifer Goethals; grandson, Jamie Burke; 2 brothers, Jack and Billy Bauer; and sister, Virginia Keil.

Funeral Service

1:00 P.M. – Monday – April 19, 2021

United Methodist Church

Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Officiant – Pastor Sheri Fadley

Music

Processional Hymn – “In the Garden”

Judy Howard, pianist

Recessional Song – “Home”

“I Can Only Imagine”, “Amazing Grace”

Cheyenne McGriff, vocalist

Jonathan Arnio & Jed Kammerer, guitar

Casketbearers

(Grandchildren)

Levi Arnio    Jonathan Arnio   Tyler Arnio   Brett Burke

Chase Burke   Clint Burke   Cody Burke   Crisinda Burke

Lauren Burke   Rachel Burke   Camarae Lei   Brian Goethals   Chad Goethals   Rich Goethals   Shawn Goethals

Interment

Pine Slope Cemetery

Belle Fourche, South Dakota

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Joyce Burke-Simmons, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.