Wilner Burke
Wilner Burke | |
---|---|
Born | Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S. | May 12, 1908
Died | June 14, 1985 Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S. | (aged 77)
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Band director |
Known for | Band 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
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
Politics and business
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
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
Personal life
Burke was married to Mabel Burke (
References
- ^ a b c d e Christl, Cliff. "Wilner Burke". Packers.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Newspapers.com.
- ^ Newspapers.com.
- ^ Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.