Harley '73 and Becky '73 Burk joyfully support Concordia Nebraska's agriculture program, advocate for sound theological training of laity

Seward, NE (03/23/2026) — Harlan Burk '73 was born and raised on a farm outside Bay City, Michigan. He attended Lutheran elementary school and public high school before earning an associate's degree from Concordia University Ann Arbor in 1971. Harlan - who goes by Harley - went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in education from then-named Concordia Teachers College in 1973 and a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from Ohio State University in 1978.

His beloved wife Rebecca (Marks) Burk '73 was born and raised in Massillon, Ohio, and following a public school education graduated from Concordia University Ann Arbor in 1971 with an associate of arts degree. Rebecca - who goes by Becky - also has a bachelor of science degree from Concordia Teachers College.

Harley said they considered attending Concordia Chicago following their time in Ann Arbor, but he wanted to play soccer.

"We came to Seward because I wanted to continue to play soccer. River Forest didn't have soccer," he explained. "I was on the first varsity soccer team my junior year. It was a club sport. Becky was all set to go to River Forest, but she followed me to Seward."

The Burks were married in 1973. Harley taught in Lutheran schools for three years. Becky taught for one year at St. Paul in Ann Arbor, stayed home with their children for a time, then returned to teaching in public school, where she taught for 24 years.

The Burks have three children: Christopher (a research chemist), Ryan (a mechanical engineer) and Jenna (a nurse). Harley said they also have four grandchildren that they don't see often enough.

"I really enjoyed my time in Seward," said Harley. "I don't think Becky cared for the rural atmosphere, but I always found odd jobs to do that allowed me to make some extra cash. During my first year of teaching, my father died. That was devastating to me. My brothers convinced me to continue teaching but I was ready to go home and farm. That concept came from my father's last words to me - it was also written in my catechism: 'I want to be a farmer.' So, my career changed to studying agriculture. In my first year at Ohio State my mom sold the farm to my brothers. I lived a lifetime wanting to go home to the farm, but the Lord's hand never led me there."

After he graduated from Ohio State, Harley served as the assistant manager of a state research farm in northwest Ohio.

"I loved that job, but Becky hated it. She thought I worked too much - which was not true - but after one year, I left and was hired by an electric utility as an agricultural representative in an area near Becky's home," he said. "I worked for them 24 years and was let go in a cost cutting move. I worked for a precast concrete company and a green house and a veterinary clinic until I had to quit working."

Today, Harley cares for Becky full time. In 2013, she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a dementia-related disease.

"It progressed, and in 2020 I sought the help of hospice," explained Harley. "Hospice said it would be three to six months and she would be gone. But hospice isn't in control, we both know who is. Nothing can prepare one for being a 24/7 caregiver, every day is different and yet they are all the same."

When Harley learned that Concordia Nebraska offered a degree in agriculture, he was impressed. After prayerful considering it, he decided to financially support the university's agriculture program.

"If they had that in 1971, I would have double majored!" he laughed. "God has blessed me with the resources to be able to give them to Concordia Nebraska. It is important for scholarship funds to be available for laymen to be synodically-trained to lead adult Bible study and assist our pastors in various ways. With a shortage of pastors, we need trained laymen."

"Harley certainly understands the idea of planting seeds now to reap a future harvest," added Concordia Nebraska Senior Director of Development and Engagement Scott Seevers. "While those scholarships help the students today, decades from now congregations will have faithful Christian farmers serving in their laity because of people like Harley."

As Harley's schedule allows, he enjoys woodworking, he said. Using discarded church pews, he recently constructed new kneelers, a communion rail, a communion table and a large table for broadcasting worship services via computer.

"I see Harley's generous heart, first and foremost, in the way he devotedly and skillfully cares for Becky each day," said Seevers. "Beyond that, I marvel at how he finds time to joyfully share his crafts and his garden bounty with those around him, and his resources to help Concordia agriculture students a thousand miles away."

"I am very proud of my decision to give to Concordia Nebraska," said Harley. "I know it will make a difference in someone's life. I give because someone asked me to, and God provided the resources entrusted to me."

Media Attachments