Willow Lee Burke, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away on March 12, 2026. Born on February 12, 1999, to Dwight and Michelle Burke in Fort Collins, Willow grew up in rural Greeley and attended school in both Windsor and Fort Collins.

A gifted and driven student, Willow graduated from Fort Collins Early College High School in 2017, earning an endorsed diploma as well as Associate Degrees in both Science and Arts from Front Range Community College. They continued their education at Colorado State University, graduating with honors in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Economics and a Minor in Global Environmental Sustainability. A highlight of these years was a transformative semester with Semester at Sea, which allowed Willow to explore the cultures and landscapes of Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America.

Dedicated to the environment, Willow worked in the environmental health and safety sector and was currently serving the City of Greeley as an Industrial Pretreatment Specialist at the Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Facility.

Beyond their professional life, Willow was known for an intense, enthusiastic passion for new interests. An accomplished guitarist with a deep love for music, Willow was equally at home scaling a rock face or riding a motorcycle through the mountains with friends. Whether engaged in a strategic board game or navigating digital worlds online, Willow found the most joy in shared experiences and adventures with those they loved.

Willow’s compassion extended to all living things—and not just the furry kind. Willow held an incredible fondness for reptiles. In classic Willow style, with signature passion, they acquired an in-depth knowledge of reptilian lives, habitats, and ecosystems, happily sharing intricate details with anyone who would listen.

Above all, Willow had a kind, tender heart and loved their family and friends with a profound depth.

Willow is survived by parents, Dwight and Michelle (Prochaska) Burke of Greeley; sister, Danielle Burke (Jason Schumer) of Harbor Springs, Michigan; brother, Jacob Burke (Kaycee Maas) of Loveland; grandmother, Karen Herman of Eaton; and grandfather, Charles Prochaska of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Willow’s memory will also be cherished by a wide circle of extended family and close friends into whom Willow poured so much time and love.

Service Details

A service for Willow will be held at Mark’s Funeral Home, 9293 Eastman Park Dr, Windsor, Colorado, at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Remembrances

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.marksfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to acharity aligned with Willow’s passions, including Reptile & Amphibian Center of theRockies, website: https://racr.rallyup.com/inhonorofwillow/Campaign/Details