Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, August 4th, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 5th at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Joseph Littlefield celebrating the Mass. Raymond will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Raymond Jacob Burkhard was born on November 23, 1931, in Esmond, ND to Anton and Katherine (Miltenburger) Burkhard. He grew up in Esmond and attended and graduated from St Mary’s Academy and continued his education at North Dakota State School of Science, receiving a Master Electronics Degree.
Raymond worked for Hank Ridley as a mechanic for 28 years. He then worked as a janitor and bus driver for St. Mary’s Academy until it closed. He continued his faithful service as a janitor and bus driver at St. Joseph Catholic School until he retired.
Raymond was united in marriage to Gloria Roxanne Gleason on November 17, 1961, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked, and raised their family.
Raymond was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed membership in the Eagles Lodge and the Elks Lodge. He was a very active member of the Odd Fellows for many years. Raymond was well known as a BINGO caller at the Eagles, KC Club and St. Joseph School.
Raymond loved his family with his whole heart. He loved his community and his many dear friends he made through the years. He will be forever missed and forever loved.
Raymond’s loving family include his children Gaylene Marie Tollefson, Devils Lake, Antone Henry Burkhard, Tompkinsville, Kentucky, Steven Wayne Burkhard, Gene Arthur Burkhard and Rodney Allen Burkard all of Devils Lake; grandchildren Nicole Claire, Jacob David, Mathew Warren, Sheila Mae, Dawn Marie, Brady Tom, Toby Gene, Laura, Allison, Katy, Kyle, Kaedynce, Elizabeth, Tucker J. and Braydon Tyler; ten great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Gloria; grandchild Dawn Marie, daughter-in-law Rose Marie Burkhard, son-in-law Lawrence S. Tollefson, two brothers John Burkhard and Mike Burkhard and five sisters Lena Volk, Helen Streifel, Anna Kurtz, Barbara Scherr and Marie Ridley.
Pallbearers will be Nicole Tollefson, Jacob Burkhard, Brady Burkhard, Tucker Burkhard. Honorary Bearers are all of Raymond’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Presenting the Eucharistic Gifts will be Sheila Eckerdt, Austin Bender, and Toby Burkhard. Music will be provided by Tom Burckhart and Patty Cote.