Andy Burkhard

Andy Burkhard, 67, of Sodus, passed away, Monday, January 16, 2006 at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 A.M. Thursday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor with Fr. William Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Friends may call from 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, where Liturgical Prayers will be recited at 6:30 P.M. Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the family. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Andy was born August 12, 1938 in St. Joseph to Harold & Frances (Deja) Burkhard. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1957 and on September 5, 1959, he married the former Gloria Naylor in Benton Harbor. Andy was a member of St. John-St. Bernard Parish and American Legion Post #105. Andy was a chef by trade, working in various fine dining establishments in the twin cities area. He donated his time & talents to many causes including the Sister Lakes Lions Club and the American Legion Post #105 in Benton Harbor. Andy was an artist-creating beautiful sculptures from lard, snow & ice. He was many things to many people, but there was nothing in his life more important to him than his wife of 46 years, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would give anything he had to anyone who needed it. The most important gifts he gave were a deep appreciation of the beauty found in nature, the importance of doing all things to the best of your ability, and a deep faith and love of the Lord. Andy is survived by his wife Gloria; his children-Lisa (Jim) Bolyard, Laura (Dan) Montey, SFC Glenn (Liz) Burkhard, Lucy Wright, Mary (David) Clark, Nick Burkhard, SSG Frank (Claudia) Burkhard; twenty-eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother Robert (Nancy) Burkhard, three sisters-Joan Nelthorpe, Barbara Pugh, Mary (Norbert) Ciolek; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons-infant Andrew Joseph Burkhard, Jr., & Robert John Burkhard, a grand daughter Amber Burkhard, a brother John Burkhard and a nephew David Burkhard.