Roxanne Burkett Argyros, 69, died in Eldora, on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, from complications of ALS. Roxanne was born on Aug. 6, 1954, in Chicago Heights, Ill. to Louis and Wanda Burkett. The family relocated to Burlington in 1964. Roxanne attended Sunnyside Elementary and Oak Street Middle School, before graduating from Burlington High School in 1972. While attending high school, she worked at the Steak-O-Rama restaurant and met a co-worker, Jerry Argyros, who became her husband the following year. They were married in Cedar Falls on May 28, 1973. In May of this year, they observed their 50th wedding anniversary.
Roxanne and Jerry worked in the restaurant business for 36 years. They were owners of Jerry's Pizza & Steakhouse in Belle Plaine (1977-1986) and Eldora (1986-2006). Jerry's Pizza & Steakhouse restaurants were always a local favorite! They took great pride in providing good food and good service in a family-friendly environment. During these busy years, they proudly welcomed two sons, Nick in 1978 and Jim in 1980. While Jerry managed the family restaurant business, Roxanne devoted most of her time to raising their two sons and supporting their many activities. In 2006, Roxanne began a second career working at the State Training School for Boys in Eldora as a receptionist. She remained there for 14 years before retiring in Sept. 2020. What brought her the most joy was spending time with her grandchildren, Maxx and Mia, and watching them grow and learn.
Roxanne leaves behind a family who loved her dearly and will miss her always. Husband Jerry and their two sons, Nick Argyros (Angie Hullinger) of Olathe, Kan.; and Jim Argyros (Maagen) and their two children, Maxx and Mia of West Des Moines. She is also survived by her brother, Mike Burkett of Sunrise Beach, Mo., and sisters Brenda Rodgers (Keith) of Lee's Summit, Mo. and Cindy Boothe (Steve Klein) of West Burlington, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Wanda Burkett and nephew Tanner Boothe. Although living three hours away from her parents, Roxanne was very involved in their care during their aging years. She also adored her nephew Tanner Boothe who passed as a toddler. It's our hope and prayer that these three faces were the first to greet her in Heaven with open arms.
There will be a visitation to greet family and friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at Creps Chapel, Abels Funeral and Cremation Service, 905 Edgington Ave., Eldora, IA 50627.
There will be a visitation to greet family and friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, at Lunning Funeral Chapel, 2620 Mount Pleasant St., Burlington, 52601. A service will be held following the visitation at 2 p.m. Private burial will follow for family.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Iowa ALS Association, in Memory of Roxanne Argyros http://webia.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IA_homepage