Robert D. Burk
Last Updated on December 11, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network
Beloved watchmaker and longtime owner of Kreuzberger Jewelry Store, Bob Burk was met at Heaven’s Gate by his wife of 58 years, Carol, on Monday, December 8, 2025, when he passed away at home.
One of the kindest souls Cass County has ever known, Bob was born October 22, 1926, in the rural farming community of Washington Township, Bob to the late Earl and Bertha Mae (White) Burk. Raised in a large and lively household, he was predeceased by sisters Katherine Burk and Mary Jane Cabiness, and brothers Harold and Jack Burk. Bob is survived by brothers Paul and Jimmy (Christine) Burk.
In 1945, Bob answered the call to serve his country during WWII, training at Fort Knox as part of the tank division. After the war’s sudden end, his unit was reassigned. Some went to Japan, some went to Germany, and Bob returned to Indiana where he served as a clerk typist and secretary to the Colonel at Fort Benjamin Harrison. There, he was reunited with his high school friend—and former sports rival—Hollis Helms. Bob had played for the Washington Township Hatchets basketball team while Hollis represented the Twelve Mile Milers, but during WWII, they were on the same team. Nearly eight decades later, in 2023, they rode together as co-marshals in the Cass County Memorial Day parade.
You might say Bob’s career path was shaped by both family and fate – but Bob knew it was God’s perfect plan. His brother-in-law, Bernie Cabiness, was paralyzed during the war and received a scholarship to the Bulova School of Watchmaking in Long Island, New York. Bob, intrigued by the craft, hoped to join him—but the school only accepted disabled veterans. Bernie had a plan: he asked the dean if Bob could also attend to help with his transportation to and from the school in his wheelchair. The dean agreed, and after 14 months of training, Bob graduated and began a remarkable 55-year career as a watchmaker and jeweler.
Through Hollis, Bob met Carol June Hopkins of Twelve Mile. They married on March 25, 1951, in the Twelve Mile E.U.B. Church. Shortly after, Bob visited banker Harold Griest to secure a loan. Griest didn’t hesitate: “I know Carol Hopkins wouldn’t marry a bum!” That same year, Bob became the owner of Kreuzberger Jewelry Store, which he operated until his retirement in 2006. Carol preceded him in death in 2009, but their legacy lives on through their children—Lori Burk, a registered nurse, and Scott Burk (Donna Wise), who also became a watchmaker.
Bob delighted in being “Grandpa” to five grandchildren: Renee (Matthew) Jensen, Leah (Michael) Jensen, Bradley Rayl, Alysia Wagner and Christina Burk (Keith Mclaughlin); and “Papaw” to nine great-grandchildren: Trey Thomas, Kelsey Thomas, Brayley Rayl, Kerrigan Jensen, Kellan Jensen, Beckham Rayl, Jackson Rayl, Angelina Moore, and Patrick Moore. Bob loved attending their music and sporting events and following about their adventures.
Bob was a dedicated and faithful member of Cross~Wind United Methodist Church, Logansport’s Tipton Masonic Lodge #33, the Fort Wayne Valley of the Scottish Rite, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks #66. He was also active in the Breakfast and Evening Exchange Clubs. Even at the young age of 99, Bob remained active not only in his community but also on the golf course, playing 3 games a week up until his final months and bowling 3 games every Friday.
Through every season of life, he held fast to the same quiet creed: God first, then family, country, and community—just the way he was raised.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Thursday, December 11 at Cross~Wind United Methodist Church, 616 North State Road 25, Logansport, with Masonic rites starting at 6:45 p.m.
A Funeral Service celebrating Bob’s life will follow at 7 p.m. Thursday, in the church, with Pastor Tim Powers officiating.
Burial, with full military honors, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 12 in Walton I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Those wishing to travel in procession are asked to be at Fisher Funeral Chapel by 10:30 a.m. Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the Cross~Wind United Methodist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Fisher Funeral Chapel where you may share messages, photos and condolences on Bob’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.