14 Facts About Wilner Burke

Wilner Edward Burke was an American band director known for leading the Lumberjack Band, the team band for the Green Bay Packers.

From 1939 to 1981, Wilner Burke served as the band director and coordinated all half-time entertainment.

Wilner Burke retired prior to the 1982 NFL season and died three years later, at the age of 77.

Wilner Burke was born on May 12,1908, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Wilner 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.

From 1950 to 1971, Wilner Burke was an alderman for the Fifth Ward of the city of Green Bay.

Wilner Burke was first named the band's business manager and then the band director in 1939.

Wilner Burke would continue in this role until retiring in 1982.

In 1966, Wilner Burke became the chairman of the National Football League's half-time directors.

Lovell Ives, who played under Wilner Burke for 13 years and became band director after the latter's retirement, noted that Wilner Burke was "a wonderful director" and that "he ran the band with a great deal of care".

Wilner Burke was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1986 in recognition of his contributions to the team.

Wilner Burke was married to Mabel Wilner Burke and they had two daughters.

Wilner Burke was an active member of the community, serving on the Bishops Charity Committee for 24 years.

Wilner Burke was a member of the local Elks Club and Knights of Columbus.