Trending
Oct. 24, 1957-Oct. 2, 2026
Minot
It is with great sadness that the family of Jean Marie Burke (Pietsch), 68, of Minot, ND, announce her passing on October 2, 2026 at Trinity Hospital.
Jean was born in Minot on October 24, 1957 to Herman and Marvel (Jylen) Pietsch. Jean was raised in Minot and graduated from Minot High in 1975. Jean then attended Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, obtaining her Licensed Practical Nurse degree. Afterward, Jean entered the military, being honorably discharged in 1980.
Jean then attended Minot State University, majoring in psychology. Upon graduation in 1987, she worked as a case manager in Dickinson, ND. With this experience she decided to obtain a master's degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of North Dakota. Shortly after graduation, Jean married Donald Burke on September 1, 1990, sharing 36 loving years with him. At this time Jean worked as the supervisor of the Long Term Mentally Ill unit at North Central Human Service Center. Jean would spend 25 years at North Central, where she became the assistant director for a number of those years, but ultimately went back to her true love: doing therapy.
Jean was a true animal enthusiast, always having her cats and dogs with her. She became involved in Minot's Agility Club and would compete with her dogs in various events. She also loved to garden, where she would happily watch Monarch butterflies and humming birds coming to feed.
Jean is survived by her husband Don and her son Thomas; her older brother John Pietsch, sister-in-law Joanne Schmidt, and younger brother Tim Pietsch. As well as many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.
Celebration of Jean's Life: 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2026 at Saron Lutheran Church, 13500 16th St. SW, Minot, ND. To view a recording of the service (available 10/10) or to share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamily funeralhome.com
Interment: Saron Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Visitation: Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Funeral Home in Minot.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Souris Valley Animal Shelter or the Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Minot in Jean's name.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 6, 2026.