Fillmore County Journal

"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"

Gary A. Burkholder

by

Fillmore County Journal - Gary Burkholder Obituary

Gary A. Burkholder, age 69, of Harmony, died Monday, April 2, 2018, at Traditions in Preston.

Gary was born August 29, 1948, in Peoria, Ill., to Clifford and Phyllis Burkholder. He graduated from Mabel High School.  He worked at various places including IBM in Rochester and different business adventures.  On April 21, 1973, he married Coralee Leqve.  She later passed away from cancer.  Gary enjoyed volunteering and was awarded the Minnesota JC of the year and received the Outstanding Volunteer award for the DAV.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, making people laugh, helping his Amish friends get to appointments and deliver their furniture, and mostly he enjoyed his grandchildren. Gary was willing to help anyone in need.

Gary is survived by two sons, Vaughn and Robert (Ingrid), both of Rochester; grandchildren Alexa, Hally, Chase, Teagan, and Gunner; and two brothers, Richard (Sue) of Peoria, Ill., and Ronald (Sandy) of Casa Grande, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his wife Coralee and his parents.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018, at the Harmony United Methodist Church.  Burial will be in the Big Springs Cemetery.  Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. prior to services at the church.  The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.

Comments

  1. I am so blessed that his cousin Kathy introduced him to me and we quickly became friends and friends on Facebook. He was a very loyal and kind friend. Going to miss how he called me Kid all the time! You are now home Gary. Rest in peace.

  2. Once in a while you’re fortunate enough to have a neighbor who remains in your heart forever, even after you move away. Gary was one of those special people. He did a very memorable Santa impersonation one Saturday morning and really enjoyed stumping us (for a while). Will always be grateful for the going away neighborhood corn feed when we were leaving Rochester. He will always live on in our hearts.

  6. Gary was my friend and confidant on Facebook. He gave some encouraging words after my husband died in Iraq. I will always remember those talks understanding words from you. You will be missed by your family but your legacy lives on threw your sons, your grandchildren and the people around you.
    Gary may you Rest In Peace free from any pain, you’re not with your wife Coralee. Thank you for being my friend. God bless you.

  7. As a neighbor in the 70’s he was like a father figure to me, taking me to my hockey games early in the morning when my mom was working and even playing in my father son game. He took us camping and fishing and floating down the creek in the back yard after the flood. I enjoyed watching the boys when Gary and Coralee wanted a night out on the town and have always included them into my life as Family. I got to see Gary when he came to visit me at my sisters funeral and am sure going to miss him. I’m glad to know I have many cherished memories of him that I will never forget !!! Till we meet Again POP !! Love You !!!

    • I’ m so Glad that my wife got to meet him as I have spoke about him numerous times throughout or life, what a Great guy she says and wishes we could have spent more time together!!!

  8. No one could bring tears of laughter to me better than my buddy and cousin Gabby! Oh, how I will miss you, but glad you can be with Cork again!

  10. MOST AMAZING FATHER THAT 2 SONS COULD EVER WISH FOR ! ALWAYS MADE TIME FOR US IN OUR SCHOOL ACT. AND SPORTS. BUT ALSO RAISED BOB AND I RIGHT !! WE DID RIGHT HE MADE SURE THAT WE WERE PRASIED !! BUT WE DID WRONG HE MADE SURE WE KNEW WE DID WRONG !! THAT MADE BOB AND I GREAT MEN TO RESPECT OTHER AND HELP OTHERS !! WE WILL MISS YOU DAD AND OUR LOVE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU AND MOM !! TELL WE MEET AGAIN !

  12. Gary you were one of a kind. I am honored to have known you. We had some good times. You could always make us smile.

    Carroll and Laura Armstrong