Ok Ja “Kim” Burke, of Helena passed away at the age of 91 in Great Falls Thursday April 16, 2026, following a brief unexpected illness.
Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea September 1, 1934, to Byung Ho Kim and Bok Soon Kim. She came to the United States in her early 20’s. Received a GED March 24, 1975, and graduated from Utah Technical College in1978. Her principal occupation was working as a bookkeeper.
Kim and Robert Lawrence Burke were married February 20, 1960, at Fort Carson at Colorado Springs, Colorado. To this marriage were three children, Nina, Tim and Michael. Kim’s many favorite hobbies were baking, doing puzzles, gardening, and line dancing with her friends at the senior center. When time permitted she and her husband enjoyed traveling together and visiting national parks.
Kim volunteered a lot of her time with the V.F.W. and the county fair. She was an active member of the Liberty Baptist Church in Helena where she ushered there at times. She read the bible daily; she watched the Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune among a number of other shows.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert “Bob” on January 3, 2016, and a son Michael Burke. She is survived by her son Tim (Kathie) Burke of Portland and daughter Nina Westcott of Helena. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer Westcott, Christina Westcott, Marcus Bogle and Breanne Burke; great grandchildren, Jasmin Wyman (Kaidin Theibert), Jade Wyman, Jenna Westcott, Pracilla Cristani, Natalia Westcott, Colton Galliher, Carson Catron, Finn Bogle.
Visitation hours will be Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home 3750 N. Montana Avenue in Helena. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, from the Liberty Baptist Church 210 Sierra Road West in Helena. Cremation will follow the funeral service, and her burial of cremated remains will take place at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery at Ft. Harrison, Montana at a later date.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 23, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 24, 2026
Liberty Baptist Church
210 Sierra Road West
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 23, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 24, 2026
Liberty Baptist Church
210 Sierra Road West
Helena, Montana
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Cher says
My sincere condolences to the family, Death of a loved one is so painful. The Bible tells us about the hope for all who die . John 5: 28,29. The Resurrection! On Earth! I pray this Bible Truth brings you some peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Lori says
Sending condolences from Minneapolis to Nina and her family for their loss. Nina’s mom was always very nice to me and my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.