Fred Albert Burki was born April 8, 1926 in Chicago, IL “just across the street from Wrigley Field” as he always liked to say. Born to John & Helen Cramer-Burki. Both of Fred’s parents immigrated to the country through Ellis Island, NY. John from Switzerland and Helen from Hungary in about 1918. John found his way to Chicago and worked at apartment buildings as a maintenance manager. Helen worked at a nearby café as a cook. Fred was an only child. Helen had one older son, Honz’e, a half-brother to Fred. Helen died in 1954 and John in 2001 at the age of 101.

Fred began his military career at Lane Tech High School with three years JROTC, graduating in 1943. Fred volunteered to join the US Army in January of 1944 at the age of 18. He fought in WWII European Theatre with the 89th Infantry Division as a Sergeant, awarded the Bronze Star & Combat Infantry Badge. Fred was discharged from active duty in 1947 and continued military service and accomplished the rank of Major, in charge of training the Military Police Corp at O’ Hare Field in Chicago. He retired in 1966 after 22 years of service.

After retiring from Active Duty in 1947, he joined the United Retail Workers Union becoming President in 1951, where he built the local union to 35,000 members. Eventually leaving in 1983, he served as International Vice President to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Fred taught labor relations and served on several advisory boards at Chicago area colleges and universities. A proud 35 year career dedicated to improving the lives of working Americans.

Fred and first wife, Betty Burki, raised four children. Bill, Ken, Scott and Debbie Burki. All preceding their father in death except Ken. Fred is survived by his wife, Myrna Cramer-Burki. Fred and Myrna founded their life partnership in 1986. They enjoyed forty beautiful years together and having built a real estate business while travelling the world.

Fred is also survived by son, Ken Burki and wife Denise as well as step-daughter, Debra Cramer-McCravy and husband Steve McCravy. There are five grandchildren from our blended family. Matt and wife, Kelly Burki and their two sons Simon and Isaak. Allison and husband, Kevin Watt and their two sons, Max and Cameron. Kristin Burki and husband, Dieter Deitling and their three sons, Rileigh, Sage and Harper. Maci McCravy and partner Jharad Espinosa. Finally, grandson, Braden McCravy, who has been there for us 24/7-just a phone call away. Also left grieving are many nieces and nephews and beloved friends.

Fred Burki, it has been my honor to attempt to relay your amazing life history in these few words. It has been my pleasure to share my life with you! You will always be the wind beneath my wings. -Myrna

A service honoring the life of Fred Burki will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Worley Luginbuel Chapel in Jay, Oklahoma. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Mount Hermon Cemetery.