Mary Buerkle

Mary Elizabeth Buerkle, 87, formerly of Kirkwood, Mo., died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002, at Friendship Village South in St. Louis.

She was born Dec. 4, 1914, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of John C. and Margaret E. McEndree Buerkle.

Miss Buerkle received a bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University. She taught in the Missouri Bootheel until moving to St. Louis, where she taught in the Ferguson School District.

Upon completing a master's degree at Washington University, she taught first grade in the Ladue School District until retiring in 1977. She then taught a year in Germany.

She was a member of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church and active in its children's department. She enjoyed her bridge and professional clubs.

Survivors include three nephews, Joe Buerkle of Cape Girardeau, John Buerkle of Lake Forest, Ill., Jim Buerkle of Highland Village, Texas; and a niece, Roberta Ewersmann of St. Paul, Mo.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret, and two brothers, Robert and John.

Private graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. today at Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Christian Children Fund, P.O. Box 26507, Richmond, Va., 23261-6507.

Pfitzinger Funeral Home in Kirkwood is in charge of arrangements.