Edward Paul Burek, 71, of Elko New Market, Minnesota, passed away suddenly on May 3, 2025. Born on October 29, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, Ed lived a life marked by dedication to his family, a passion for music, and a career that spanned decades in the airline industry.

Ed graduated from Driscoll Catholic High School and earned a Bachelors of Arts degree from Metropolitan State University. His professional journey began at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport with Continental Airlines. He later moved to Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, where he continued his career for over 43 years. Known for his warmth and sense of humor, Ed formed lasting friendships with colleagues who remained close throughout his life. In fact, many gathered to surprise and honor him at his 70th birthday celebration —a testament to the deep connections he fostered over the years.

In addition to his work in aviation, Ed was an entrepreneur who successfully ran an association property management company. He had a knack for forming trusting relationships with his clients through swift action and unwavering commitment; he was someone who would always go out of his way for others at the drop of a hat.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed was a gifted musician with a lifelong love of music. As an accomplished electric bass player, he recorded an album in the 1970s with the Chicago-area rock band Mariah and toured across the United States. After moving to Minnesota, he continued sharing his musical talents with the community through performances with the Top 40 cover band Fire and Ice.

In 1991, Ed met Wendy, the love of his life, through a mutual friend; they married shortly afterwards and enjoyed 32 wonderful years of marriage. Ed and Wendy were

blessed with a son Cole, who became the center of Ed’s whole world. Together they worked on projects in the garage, spent time in the woods, and attended Badger games. Ed cherished time spent with his family; traveling around the country was always a treat, with Maine holding a special place in his heart. Ed’s creativity and humor was evident in many ways. He was known for clever practical jokes, funny songs that brought laughter to those around him, and his timeless shenanigans.

Ed was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church where he served as a Mission Partner and helped provide the monthly community meal.

He is survived by his loving wife Wendy Burek; son Cole Burek; sisters Rose Burek (Tom Jones) and Trina Burek (Cliff Ruemmler); as well as many cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and expansive spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward Robert Burek and Mary Ann Burek.

May Edward Paul Burek’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire those whose lives he enriched through friendship, music, laughter, and love. May his sassy sense of humor and the memory of the lives he touched continue to be with us all.

Visitation Monday, May 12, 2025, from 5–8 pm at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, MN, 55044

Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, May 13 at 11:30 am, All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN

A visitation of family and friends will be held prior to Mass, starting at 10:30 with lunch to follow the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to the American Heart Association or the Minnesota Humane Society.

For those unable to attend the Mass, if you would like to tune into a livestream, please use the following link to join the service: https://www.allsaintschurch.c…

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