Obituary with Underlying Tones

I hide from emotions at a funeral by saying a joke:
A lonely man went to a burlesque show – His pride was stripped.
The only time I cry is from laughter. I skipped
a rock across Roubaix Lake. When we sprinkled the ashes,
the fire in my eyes was doused.

My grandma always said she was proud to be an American.
I am not worried about the deficit. It’s big enough to take care of itself.
I think of Lee Greenwood’s song – she was never able to stand up
against the cancer.
 
My grandma’s remains were poured into an urn
that now sits above our TV – Wheel of Fortune
will never be the same. Did I start out by saying:
I hide from emotions at a funeral by saying a joke?
Those last four words weren’t necessary.

How did I come upon a burlesque?