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{{Short description|American band director}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name =
| image = Wilber Burke Band Director 1975.png
| image =
| alt = Black and white headshot of Burke
| alt =
| caption = Burke in 1975
| caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1908|5|12}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1908|5|12}}
| birth_place = [[Green Bay, Wisconsin]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Green Bay, Wisconsin]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1985|6|14|1908|5|12}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1985|6|14|1908|5|12}}
| death_place = Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.
| death_place = Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.
⚫
| occupation = [[Music director|Band director]]
| nationality = American
⚫
| occupation = Band director
| known_for = Band director, [[Lumberjack Band]]
| known_for = Band director, [[Lumberjack Band]]
}}
}}


'''Wilner Edward Burke''' (May 12, 1908 – June 14, 1985) was American band director known for leading the [[Lumberjack Band]], the team band for the [[Green Bay Packers]]. Burke, a native of [[Green Bay, Wisconsin]], served as an [[alderman]] for the city for 21 years and served on the County Board. However, he became known for his relationship with the Packers. Starting in 1939, he was put in charge of the Packers team band, which he had been part of since the early 1920s. From 1940 to 1981, Burke served as the band director and also coordinated all halftime entertainment. The band, which changed its name to the Green Bay Packers Band, played across the state at parades and other special events. Burke retired prior to the [[1982 NFL season]] and died three years later, at the age of 77.
'''Wilner Edward Burke''' (May 12, 1908 – June 14, 1985) was an American [[Music director|band director]] known for leading the [[Lumberjack Band]], the team band for the [[Green Bay Packers]]. Burke, a native of [[Green Bay, Wisconsin]], served as an [[alderman]] for the city for 21 years and served on the [[county board]]. However, he became known for his relationship with the Packers. Starting in 1939, he was put in charge of the Packers team band, which he had been part of since the early 1920s. From 1939 to 1981, Burke served as the band director and also coordinated all [[half-time]] entertainment. The band, which changed its name to the Green Bay Packers Band, played across the state at parades and other special events. Burke retired prior to the [[1982 NFL season]] and died three years later, at the age of 77.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Wilner Burke was born on May 12, 1908, in [[Green Bay, Wisconsin]].<ref name="PACKHOF">{{Cite web | url = https://www.packers.com/history/hof/wilner-burke | title = Wilner Burke | last = Christl | first = Cliff | access-date = September 19, 2023 | website = Packers.com | archive-date = September 13, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230913035818/https://www.packers.com/history/hof/wilner-burke | url-status = live }}</ref> Burke was an early supporter of the [[Green Bay Packers]] in the 1930s, playing the [[saxophone]] for a makeshift band that attended home games in [[lumberjack]] clothing.<ref name="OBIT1">{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke/129919446/ | title = Wilner Burke dead at 77; led Packers band 44 years: Part 1 | last = Goldschmidt | first = Keith | date = June 15, 1985 | access-date = September 19, 2023 | newspaper = [[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = A-1 | archive-date = September 13, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230913041144/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke/129919446/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="OBIT2">{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke/129919476/ | title = Wilner Burke dead at 77; led Packers band 44 years: Part 2 | last = Goldschmidt | first = Keith | date = June 15, 1985 | access-date = September 19, 2023 | newspaper = [[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = A-2 | archive-date = September 13, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230913040858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke/129919476/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
Wilner Burke was born on May 12, 1908, in [[Green Bay, Wisconsin]].<ref name="PACKHOF">{{Cite web | url = https://www.packers.com/history/hof/wilner-burke | title = Wilner Burke | last = Christl | first = Cliff | author-link = Cliff Christl | access-date = September 19, 2023 | website = Packers.com | archive-date = September 13, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230913035818/https://www.packers.com/history/hof/wilner-burke | url-status = live }}</ref> Burke was an early supporter of the [[Green Bay Packers]] in the 1930s, playing the [[saxophone]] for a makeshift band that attended home games in [[lumberjack]] clothing.<ref name="OBIT1">{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke/129919446/ | title = Wilner Burke dead at 77; led Packers band 44 years: Part 1 | last = Goldschmidt | first = Keith | date = June 15, 1985 | access-date = September 19, 2023 | newspaper = [[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = A-1 | archive-date = September 13, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230913041144/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke/129919446/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="OBIT2">{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke/129919476/ | title = Wilner Burke dead at 77; led Packers band 44 years: Part 2 | last = Goldschmidt | first = Keith | date = June 15, 1985 | access-date = September 19, 2023 | newspaper = [[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = A-2 | archive-date = September 13, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230913040858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke/129919476/ | url-status = live }}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
===Politics and business===
===Politics and business===
From 1950 to 1971, Burke was an alderman for the Fifth [[Ward (electoral subdivision)|Ward]] of the city of Green Bay.<ref name="OBITUARY">{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-obituary-for-bur/134537580/ | title = Wilner Burke | date = June 16, 1985 | access-date = November 2, 2023 | newspaper = [[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = B-13 | archive-date = November 3, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231103033307/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-obituary-for-bur/134537580/ | url-status = live }}</ref> When he was first elected, in 1950, he was the only candidate to win who was not an incumbent.<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke-elected-ne/134557185/ | title = Burke Elected New Councilman | date = April 5, 1950 | access-date = November 3, 2023 | newspaper = [[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = 1 | archive-date = November 3, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231103212117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke-elected-ne/134557185/ | url-status = live }}</ref> He also served on the County Board.<ref name="OBIT1"/><ref name="OBIT2"/> From the business side, he had an association with Schneider Allied Van Lines for 24 years, from 1952 to 1976.<ref name="OBITUARY"/>
From 1950 to 1971, Burke was an alderman for the Fifth [[Ward (electoral subdivision)|Ward]] of the city of Green Bay.<ref name="OBITUARY">{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-obituary-for-bur/134537580/ | title = Wilner Burke | date = June 16, 1985 | access-date = November 2, 2023 | newspaper = [[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = B-13 | archive-date = November 3, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231103033307/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-obituary-for-bur/134537580/ | url-status = live }}</ref> When he was first elected, in 1950, he was the only candidate to win who was not an incumbent.<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke-elected-ne/134557185/ | title = Burke Elected New Councilman | date = April 5, 1950 | access-date = November 3, 2023 | newspaper = [[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = 1 | archive-date = November 3, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231103212117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burke-elected-ne/134557185/ | url-status = live }}</ref> He also served on the [[County board]].<ref name="OBIT1"/><ref name="OBIT2"/> From the business side, he had an association with Schneider Allied Van Lines for 24 years, from 1952 to 1976.<ref name="OBITUARY"/>


===Band director===
===Band director===
{{Main|Lumberjack Band}}
{{Main|Lumberjack Band}}
As early as 1921, an unorganized group of fans attended games in lumberjack clothing and played musical instruments to show support for the Packers. The official [[Lumberjack Band]] was formed in 1938 and the Packers then took control of the band in 1939.<ref name="OBIT1"/><ref name="OBIT2"/> Burke was first named the band's business manager and then the band director in 1939. Burke would continue in this role until retiring in 1982. During his time as band director, the Lumberjack Band became well-known, with head coach [[Vince Lombardi]] calling it "the best playing band in the National Football League".<ref name="PACKHOF"/> Lombardi made one change during Burke's tenure; he asked that the name of the band be changed to the Green Bay Packer Band to dispel the myth that everything north of [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], is related to logging.<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-post-crescent-dedication-work-in-ba/134556875/ | title = Dedication, Work in Bay's Packer Band | author = Jingo | date = June 30, 1967 | access-date = November 3, 2023 | newspaper = [[The Post-Crescent]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = A8 | archive-date = November 3, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231103212117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-post-crescent-dedication-work-in-ba/134556875/ | url-status = live }}</ref> In addition to playing at Packers home games, the band also played at special events, parades and rallies throughout Wisconsin.<ref name="PACKHOF"/> Burke not only led the band, but also took on the additional responsibility of organizing the halftime entertainment for the Packers.<ref name="OBIT1"/><ref name="OBIT2"/> In 1966, Burke became the chairman of the [[National Football League]]'s halftime directors.<ref name="PACKHOF"/> Lovell Ives, who played under Burke for 13 years and became band director after the latter's retirement, noted that Burke was "a wonderful director" and that "he ran the band with a great deal of care".<ref name="OBIT1"/><ref name="OBIT2"/> Burke was inducted into the [[Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame]] in 1986 in recognition of his contributions to the team.<ref name="PACKHOF"/>
As early as 1921, an unorganized group of fans attended games in lumberjack clothing and played musical instruments to show support for the Packers. The official [[Lumberjack Band]] was formed in 1938 and the Packers then took control of the band in 1939.<ref name="OBIT1"/><ref name="OBIT2"/> Burke was first named the band's [[business manager]] and then the [[Music director|band director]] in 1939. Burke would continue in this role until retiring in 1982. During his time as band director, the Lumberjack Band became well-known, with head coach [[Vince Lombardi]] calling it "the best playing band in the National Football League".<ref name="PACKHOF"/> Lombardi made one change during Burke's tenure; he asked that the name of the band be changed to the Green Bay Packer Band to dispel the myth that everything north of [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], is related to logging.<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-post-crescent-dedication-work-in-ba/134556875/ | title = Dedication, Work in Bay's Packer Band | author = Jingo | date = June 30, 1967 | access-date = November 3, 2023 | newspaper = [[The Post-Crescent]] | type = clipping | via = [[Newspapers.com]] | page = A8 | archive-date = November 3, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231103212117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-post-crescent-dedication-work-in-ba/134556875/ | url-status = live }}</ref> In addition to playing at Packers home games, the band also played at special events, parades and rallies throughout Wisconsin.<ref name="PACKHOF"/> Burke not only led the band, but also took on the additional responsibility of organizing the [[half-time]] entertainment for the Packers.<ref name="OBIT1"/><ref name="OBIT2"/> In 1966, Burke became the chairman of the [[National Football League]]'s half-time directors.<ref name="PACKHOF"/> Lovell Ives, who played under Burke for 13 years and became band director after the latter's retirement, noted that Burke was "a wonderful director" and that "he ran the band with a great deal of care".<ref name="OBIT1"/><ref name="OBIT2"/> Burke was inducted into the [[Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame]] in 1986 in recognition of his contributions to the team.<ref name="PACKHOF"/>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Burke, Wilner}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Burke, Wilner}}

[[Category:1908 births]]
[[Category:1908 births]]
[[Category:1985 deaths]]
[[Category:1985 deaths]]

Latest revision as of 17:34, 7 July 2024

Wilner Burke
Black and white headshot of Burke
Burke in 1975
Born(1908-05-12)May 12, 1908
Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedJune 14, 1985(1985-06-14) (aged 77)
Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.
OccupationBand director
Known forBand director, Lumberjack Band

Wilner Edward Burke (May 12, 1908 – June 14, 1985) was an American band director known for leading the Lumberjack Band, the team band for the Green Bay Packers. Burke, a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, served as an alderman for the city for 21 years and served on the county board. However, he became known for his relationship with the Packers. Starting in 1939, he was put in charge of the Packers team band, which he had been part of since the early 1920s. From 1939 to 1981, Burke served as the band director and also coordinated all half-time entertainment. The band, which changed its name to the Green Bay Packers Band, played across the state at parades and other special events. Burke retired prior to the 1982 NFL season and died three years later, at the age of 77.

Early life

[edit]

Wilner Burke was born on May 12, 1908, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.[1] Burke was an early supporter of the Green Bay Packers in the 1930s, playing the saxophone for a makeshift band that attended home games in lumberjack clothing.[2][3]

Career

[edit]

Politics and business

[edit]

From 1950 to 1971, Burke was an alderman for the Fifth Ward of the city of Green Bay.[4] When he was first elected, in 1950, he was the only candidate to win who was not an incumbent.[5] He also served on the County board.[2][3] From the business side, he had an association with Schneider Allied Van Lines for 24 years, from 1952 to 1976.[4]

Band director

[edit]
Main article: Lumberjack Band

As early as 1921, an unorganized group of fans attended games in lumberjack clothing and played musical instruments to show support for the Packers. The official Lumberjack Band was formed in 1938 and the Packers then took control of the band in 1939.[2][3] Burke was first named the band's business manager and then the band director in 1939. Burke would continue in this role until retiring in 1982. During his time as band director, the Lumberjack Band became well-known, with head coach Vince Lombardi calling it "the best playing band in the National Football League".[1] Lombardi made one change during Burke's tenure; he asked that the name of the band be changed to the Green Bay Packer Band to dispel the myth that everything north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is related to logging.[6] In addition to playing at Packers home games, the band also played at special events, parades and rallies throughout Wisconsin.[1] Burke not only led the band, but also took on the additional responsibility of organizing the half-time entertainment for the Packers.[2][3] In 1966, Burke became the chairman of the National Football League's half-time directors.[1] Lovell Ives, who played under Burke for 13 years and became band director after the latter's retirement, noted that Burke was "a wonderful director" and that "he ran the band with a great deal of care".[2][3] Burke was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1986 in recognition of his contributions to the team.[1]

Personal life

[edit]

Burke was married to Mabel Burke (née Krchma) and they had two daughters. He was an active member of the community, serving on the Bishops Charity Committee for 24 years.[4] He was also a member of the local Elks Club and Knights of Columbus. Burke died on June 14, 1985, at the age of 77.[2][3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Christl, Cliff. "Wilner Burke". Packers.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Goldschmidt, Keith (June 15, 1985). "Wilner Burke dead at 77; led Packers band 44 years: Part 1". Green Bay Press-Gazette (clipping). p. A-1. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Goldschmidt, Keith (June 15, 1985). "Wilner Burke dead at 77; led Packers band 44 years: Part 2". Green Bay Press-Gazette (clipping). p. A-2. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b c "Wilner Burke". Green Bay Press-Gazette (clipping). June 16, 1985. p. B-13. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Burke Elected New Councilman". Green Bay Press-Gazette (clipping). April 5, 1950. p. 1. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Jingo (June 30, 1967). "Dedication, Work in Bay's Packer Band". The Post-Crescent (clipping). p. A8. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
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