Robert D. Burkhardt

Robert D. Burkhardt passed away Sunday November 23 at home with his loving wife of 65 yrs Marilyn at his side. He was 87 years old. Bob Burkhardt was born March 20, 1927 in Jamestown, ND, the son of Otto and Lillian (Stroh) Burkhardt. One of three siblings, he graduated from Jamestown High School and went on to graduate with an architectural degree from Arizona State University in 1950. While attending school there, he was married to Marilyn Shirley Monson in 1949. Robert and Marilyn raised three sons.

Robert served in the United States Navy from 1945-1946 as a bugler 2nd class. His career was cut short by a bout of rheumatic fever for which he spent six months in a Navy hospital. Bob spent 5 ½ years with the railroad, then 3 ½ years with the postal service in Jamestown. He obtained his theology degree and then became a Salvation Army Captain in Thief River Falls, Virginia, and Fairmont, MN. for 14 ½ years from 1957-1971. He worked for the ambulance service in Fairmont, MN for two years, moving on to work for the Department of Economic Security in Crookston, MN. from 1972-1978. Thereafter he became a Veterans Rep at Moorhead State University until 1987. After that he worked at the Townsite Building Center in Moorhead until his retirement in 1992.

Bob was a member at First Baptist Church in Jamestown. He is survived by his wife Marilyn and their three sons Richard Burkhardt (Kay) of Sioux Falls, SD, James Burkhardt of Rosemount, MN., and Jon Burkhardt (Kathy) of Las Vegas Nevada. He is also survived by six loving grandchildren, Aaron Burkhardt, Ashton Sager (Jerry), Ali Carlson (Doug), Elke Bangerter (Kyle), Nicole Kelly (Cameron), and Jared Purdy (Mari). He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Curtis and Vernon.

Mr. Burkhardt loved his country and was a great living American. A tremendous musician, at the age of 85 he was still playing solos on his trumpet at church and travelled to nursing homes and assisted living apartments to entertain the residents. He was a religiously devout person who loved his Lord and lived a life reflecting his beliefs.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 28, 2014 at First Baptist Church, Jamestown, ND, with Pastor Wayne Bangs officiating.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

Burial: Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown.

Memorials: May be sent to the First Baptist Church, 409 3rd Avenue SE, Jamestown, or Jamestown Regional Medical Center Hospice, 2422, 20th Street SW, Jamestown.

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