Lori Sue Burkall

Lori Sue Burkall passed away June 20, 2015, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after a courageous fight with cancer. She was 54 years old. Preceded in death by her mother, Eleanor Burkall, and both sets of grandparents, Peter and Marie Burkall and Ken and Olive Hughes, of Muskegon, Michigan, Lori leaves behind her father, Al Burkall of St. Joseph, Michigan; sister Linda (Dan) Derbas of Galien, Michigan; sister Julie (Jim) Painter of Centerville, Ohio; brother Don (Shirley) Burkall of Durham, North Carolina; sister Mary (Dave) Schmidke of St. Joseph, Michigan; partner Burt Sloan of Ann Arbor, Michigan; special cousin Norman (Ilene) Tyler of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Lori graduated from St. Joseph High School in St. Joseph, Michigan, received her Bachelor of Education from Western Michigan University, and her Masters in Computer Education from the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois. During her career she taught special needs students in Dayton, Ohio; Antioch, Illinois; Charlotte, North Carolina; and ultimately, Livonia, Michigan. Lori was exceptionally close to her eight nieces and nephews, always being very interested and involved in their lives. She lovingly shared many special times with each one of them as they grew from childhood into the adults they are today. She was so proud of each and every one of them. While in high school Lori’s family hosted Gundi Mathews, a foreign exchange student from Hamburg, Germany, who became a special sister. This wonderful experience led Lori and her partner Burt to open their home and hearts to many foreign exchange students over the years. The bonds formed remain to this day; many students, along with their families, have returned for visits to see their “American mom.” When not in the classroom or spending time with family, Lori loved to travel. She enjoyed learning about other cultures and exploring near and far, whether it was on road trips with her dad, taking cruises with Burt or her girlfriends, or backpacking through Europe. She jumped out of airplanes, rode her motorcycle, and loved the water, whether swimming and sailing, or playing cards with her dad at the beach. Lori’s creative side led her to explore a variety of artistic avenues. After taking a stained glass class, she fell in love with glass, and subsequently, lampwork (glass bead-making). Her friends and family treasure the unique and beautiful gifts she made for them. To showcase her culinary talents, Lori would entertain friends and even cater various events. Happy were those who were called to her table. Lori will be greatly missed by family, her very many close friends and neighbors, and former students. Her loving and generous spirit and beautiful smile touched the lives of so many. Lori made a difference, and left the world a better place because she was here. Those wishing to share a memory of Lori can do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.  A celebration of Lori’s life will be held at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. in St. Joseph on August 1st from 1 P.M. until 2:30 P.M. with sharing of memories beginning at 2:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either St. Joseph Mercy Hospice Ann Arbor (www.stjoesannarbor.org/hospice) or Youth for Understanding USA (www.yfuusa.org)