Lee was the oldest of four children born to Lee (Libertus) Burkink, Sr. and Odetta (Shultz) Burkink.
He worked on the family farm and graduated from Scribner Public Schools May 1944. He played basketball and was given the nickname ''Buckets''. He also played French horn with the Scribner HS band.
Since he did not arrive in Italy until the end of combat, he had fond memories of his time serving as a medic. He said that his main job was giving injections to GIs for treatment of venereal diseases.
While away in the army, he was incredibly home sick for his family and for Scribner. After his discharge he hitchhiked from Fremont to the family farm. He worked on the farm, soon realizing that he was not cut out to be a farmer. Thus began the journey of Scribner's Native son Lee Burkink, Jr. and Lee's Market.
Lee and Catherine (Teena) Toelle were married on February 19, 1950. Their family grew to 1 daughter and 4 sons. Everyone in the family- children, wife, and Lee's mother Odetta worked at Lee's Market. To this day Lee's sister JoAnne Dahl and two sons- Jeff (JB) and Pat-are involved with Lee's Market. Pat owns a grocery store in Madison and son, Mike, owned grocery stores for many years. The first Lee's Market was purchased from Earnest Griener in 1955. From 1964-1985 Lee's Market was in the current Z's Bar and Grill building. Re-locating to the present building in 1985. All five of his children have relatively fond memories of working at the store. He taught them, by his example, the importance of hard work, following through on commitments and treating everyone with respect.
Lee's commitment to community and his family is exemplified by the long list of organizations and activities in which he was involved over the years. He was a Chamber of Commerce member. He served on the Scribner School Board of Education during the building of the elementary school, giving him the opportunity of handing his eldest child her high school diploma. He was on the Scribner City Council when the city purchased the electrical and gas systems and built the somewhat controversial dike surrounding the town. He believed it saved the town from devastating flooding of 2020. He has been a member of the American Legion and West Point's VFW post for many years. He was a member of the Scribner Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. He resigned from the Rescue Squad when his own children started driving. He has been a member of the United Church of Christ, for a time singing with the choir. When his sons played football, he was in the Press Box as a spotter for home games. He was a Big Red fan and held season tickets for over 50 years. For the past few years, he no longer attended home games, but was happy to share tickets with his children and grandchildren and watch games on TV. In 1994 the Chamber honored Lee with the Native Son award, which had previously been awarded to Scribner natives who found success after moving away.
Everyone who knew Lee realized how much he loved golf. He was a founding member of Indian Trails Country Club. He was never happier or more content than when he was on the golf course. For many years it was where he could be found Tuesday afternoons and early Sunday mornings. He had many golfing buddies through the years. He and his lifelong friend, Ralph Wagner, enjoyed nothing more than a round of golf followed by a couple of beverages and a nice meal, discussing their good and the not so good golf shots. They continued to share these times through August of this year. Lee's final golf outing was in October when he encouraged, two of his sons- Tim and Pat, daughter-in-law Stacey and son-in-law Len O'Neill to keep their heads down, swing easy and follow through. He had every intention of being back on the course next spring.
Those left behind to celebrate Lee's life and legacy:
Daughter: Cathie (Len) O'Neill. Granddaughter Jill (David Bigler) O'Neill- Great Grandchildren-Hannah Lee, Declan and Maeve Bigler. Granddaughter Meghan O'Neill. Grandson Scott (Sarah) O'Neill- Great Grand Children- Bryson, Emma O'Neill
Son: Mike (Jackie) Burkink. Grandson- Joe (Jaime) Burkink- Great Granddaughters-Addison and Alexis Burkink. Grandson Chris Burkink
Son: Jeff (JB) Burkink. Granddaughter: Marla (Jason) Weeks- Great Grandchildren - Sophie and Jacob Weeks
Son: Tim (Laura) Burkink. Grandson- David (Jessica) Burkink, Great Granddaughter- May Lee Burkink. Granddaughters: Annie and Emily Burkink
Son: Pat (Stacey) Burkink
Brother: Jeff (Evonne) Burkink
Sister: JoAnn Dahl
He was preceded in death:
Parents: Lee Sr. and Odetta Burkink
Wife of 54 years: Catherine (Teena) Burkink
Daughter in Law- Susie Burkink
Sister: Bertie Modelski
Brother-in-law- John Modelski
Brother-in-law: Elwood Dahl
Visitation will be Monday, December 27, 2021 at Ludvigsen's Scribner Funeral Chapel from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 5pm to 8pm. The funeral will be 10:30am, Tuesday, December 28, at the Scribner United Church of Christ. Burial with Military Honors and Fireman's Last Call will follow in the Scribner Cemetery. Masks are encouraged at both visitation and funeral.
Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post 121 of Scribner and VFW Post 4912 of West Point.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
The service will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube following the service. The link will be at the bottom of the obituary on this page when available.
Condolences(13)
Nona Wiese
Lincoln, Tuesday, December 28, 2021 My condolences. Lots of great memories thru the years...when he began in the grocery business, their family, our son Tom and Jeff were good friends from their beginning. Then Tom worked in the grocery store...caught the bug...and in later years had his own grocery store in Alscester, SD and then in Bancroft, IA. We had great neighborhood parties in the Swanson lot just across the street for both of us. Then we worked together when i got on the Scribner C of C board. Good friend, good community supporter, good memories. He will long be remembered.Nancy Kelberlau Kean
Papillion, NE Monday, December 27, 2021 My deepest sympathy, Mr. Lee always greeted me with his kind smile and a cheerful hello. I enjoyed having conversations with him while shopping at his store. He will be greatly missed.Judy Meyer
HUNTSVILLE, UT, UT Monday, December 27, 2021 So many great memories of Uncle Lee. From family picnics at Dead Timber to sleepovers at their house and riding bikes to the grocery store and around Scribner, and waiting on he and Teena the years I worked at the Vets Club. (Sunday nights, chicken, white meat only lol) And after I moved away going back to visit Mom & Dad and going to dinner in the restaurant that was once the grocery store. Lee was almost always there and we had dinner with him often. Alway enjoyed those times. I know he will be greatly missed by many. My love and hugs to you my Burkink cousins. Wish I could be there with you all.Janine Rush
Oregon City, OR Sunday, December 26, 2021 I have many fond memories of Uncle Lee and Aunt Teena, especially those get togethers on my Dad's patio in the summer. I remember one time Lee sat on the ledge and had a close encounter with a cactus. It wasn't so funny at the time, but looking back it is. My condolences to the family. At times like these, I wish I live closer to home.Ron & Gail Fuller
Kalamazoo, MI Friday, December 24, 2021 Cathy & Len, we didn’t get the opportunity to know Lee well but, the few times he played golf with us was great. He was easy to talk to and a true gentleman. After reading his obituary, I’m glad to have met him. We are truly sorry for your loss but know his legacy will live on.Barbara Jean Carr
Fremont, NE Friday, December 24, 2021 I'm feeling very sad, Lee was a sweetheart ! Pat and JB may god comfort you. Mr. Lee you will be missed !Connie Bliemeister
West Point, NE Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Uncle Lee and I had some great visits these last weeks. He was always special to me. What a caring and kind man he was. I am happy he didn’t have to suffer long but I will truly miss him.Nona Wiese
Lincoln., NE Wednesday, December 22, 2021 My sympathy. He had a long and eventful life with many good friends and family. He was a great promotor of Scribner with his many years in the grocery business on Main Street. Hewill be missed but the great memories will live on.
Joyce and Tim
Scribner, NE Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Our town will not be the same without Lee. What wonderfully kind and considerate man he was. And always interesting to talk with. You will be truly missed. Rest In Peace LeeTony and Maryan
Scribner, NE Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Lee was the very first person we met when we stopped in the market prior to moving here in 2017. Turns out he would be our neighbor. He always made us feel welcome and would ask after my garden each year. We loved you Lee and will miss you always.Jackie Dewaele
Davenport, IA Tuesday, December 21, 2021 My sympathy for your loss. Lee was a very kind man. I know he will be missed in community. Prayers to all.Krystal Bigley
Scribner, NE Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Lee will be missed. I was close to him. He was very nice and did so much for my family. He was well known in the Scribner Community.Angelica Towey
Scribner, NE Tuesday, December 21, 2021 He left to soon, Great Boss friend, best person to talk to. Lee is awesome, kind, sweet person.