Richard "Dick" F. Burkart

Richard “Dick” Francis Burkart, 92, of Bellevue, passed away on June 7, 2022, surrounded with the love of his family. He was born on June 12, 1929, to Frank and Madelyn (Hoepf) Burkart in Tiffin, OH. Dick was a graduate of Calvert Catholic High School, Tiffin, OH, Class of 1947. He worked as a carpenter, cabinet maker, and also in farming and lived in Bellevue, Michigan the majority of his life.

Dick was a member of Lions Club, enjoyed golf, camping, gardening, playing cards, and farming as well as his precious T-bird and antique tractor.

Although carpentry and cabinet making were a part of his career, he had a true gift in both, and enjoyed the privilege of helping most of his kids build their first homes. Dick was also a passionate man with a kind heart toward helping all people. He grew and cooked hundreds of pounds of squash every year for the Good Samaritan Food Banks fundraising campaigns, also donated golden retriever puppies for Leader Dogs for the Blind. His selfless efforts on behalf of others will truly be missed.

Dick is survived by his seven children: Richard (Maribeth) F. Burkart, Jr. of Battle Creek, Raymond (Debra) L. Burkart of Battle Creek, Mark (Sharon) P. Burkart of Caledonia, Debora (Daryl) Murphy of Marshall, Nancy (Edward) Ponscheck of Battle Creek, Marilyn (Michael) Higgins of Bellevue, and Theresa (David) Carlson of Battle Creek. Dick is also survived by his twenty grandchildren and thirty-five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth St, Bellevue, MI 49021, where visitation for Dick will take place on Friday, June 10, 2022, from 10:00am until the time of the service beginning at 11:00am. Father Dwight Ezop officiating. A committal service will follow with burial at Bell Cemetery,14000 Wing Road in Bellevue.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Good Samaritan Food Bank, St. Ann Catholic Church, or the Fire Department all of Bellevue. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book, or to leave the family condolences.