Fred S. Burket

Fred S. Burket, 90, died February 5, 2004 at Goodall Hospital from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Villisca, Iowa July 8, 1913, son of Harry and Eve (Smith) Burket. Fred served in the U.S. Army during WW II and achieved the rank of First Sargeant. He participated in the invasion of Saipan, Leyte and Okinawa. He landed on Keishe Shima one day prior to the Okinawa invasion to establish a base of operations. Fred served in the Iowa National Guard, U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve. He was life member of VFW Post # 9935, American Legion and the Odd Fellows.Mr. Burket worked in civilian life as a draftsman, surveyor and Director of Public Works. He moved his family in 1956 to St. Paul, Minnesota where he worked for Univac as a designer for early computers. Mr. Burket retired from Sperry Univac in 1976 and moved to Sanford, Maine.Fred was an avid fisherman. He designed and made his own fishing jigs, and was famous for the Burket trophy jig. He was especially proud of fishing on his 90th. Birthday with his friends Satch McMahon and 1st. mate Keith on the India Marie where he caught a 20 lb. Cod and 20 lb. cusk.Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Amanda (Marlene) Burket of Sanford and his daughter, Jennette and her husband, Gerald DeBlois of Jersey City, N.J. His sisters, Iva Heuwinkel of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Clara Funk of Nebraska, also survive him. Many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters, Lois, Manilla Mae and Jessie. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8th. At 2:00 p.m. at the Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale with Chaplain Paul Deschenes and special friends from the VFW Post # 9935 of Sanford. Burial will be held later at Oakdale Cemetery.Memorial donations may be made the charity of choice.