Gerald L. Burkhart

Gerald Louis Burkhart (Jerry), age 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016, from complications resulting from Alzheimer's Disease. Jerry was a life-long Toledo resident, born on July 20, 1929 to Rinold and Ida Jackson-Burkhart. The youngest of five sons, he attended Central Catholic and Scott High Schools and was very proud to be a veteran of the United States Navy, having served aboard the U.S.S. Gherardi, receiving the Naval Occupation Service Medal.

After his discharge from the navy, he married Phyllis Cherry on September 25, 1954 in St. Ann's Catholic Church, and together they raised four children. Jerry worked most of his life as a truck driver both locally in Toledo as well as several years of long haul trucking, during which time he enjoyed traveling "cross country", meeting people and seeing the sights of life on the road.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Phyllis, and daughters Debbie (Richard) Fotoples and Diane (Chris) Dobaczewski, and sons, Gerald, II (Mary Lou) Burkhart and James (Karen) Burkhart.

Jerry, the consummate grandfather, is also survived by nine grandchildren, who were the joy of his life; William (Ashley) Fotoples, Daniel Fotoples, Christopher (Carrie) Dobaczewski, Jodie (Jeff) Jaquillard, Jerry (Kristin) Burkhart, Kelly (Ed) Noss, Kristi Sager, Renee (Scott) Niedert and Andrea (Luke) Yap. He and his wife Phyllis were blessed to have twelve great-grandchildren.

Also surviving Jerry is a brother, Robert Burkhart, sister-in law, Marie (Bill) Burkhart, brother-in-law Don (Sharon) Clark, and brother-in-law Edward Clark, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Bill, Jack, and Paul Burkhart.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 28th, from 2-8 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd, with recitation of the Rosary at 7 pm. The funeral service will begin on Tuesday, November 29th with a prayer service at 9:15 am at the funeral home, followed by a procession to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for the celebration of Mass at 10:00 am. Burial with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Foundation Park Alzheimer's Care Facility and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care of Jerry and their kindnesses to the family as his end of life approached.

And for you Dad…In Paradisum…May the Angels lead you into Paradise,
May the Martyrs come to welcome you,
And take you to the Holy City,
The New and Eternal Jerusalem,
May the Choir of Angels Welcome you,
Where Lazarus is poor no longer,
May you have Eternal Rest……