Obit: Burkhardt, Benjamin J. (1915 – 1968)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Burkhardt, Micke, Schumacher, Brockman

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 09 Jan 1969

Burkhardt, Benjamin J. (14 MAR 1915 – 23 DEC 1968)

Benjamin J. Burkhardt, age 53, died suddenly at his home early Monday morning, December 23, 1968.

"Bennie," as most people knew him, was born in Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.), March 14, 1915. He was educated in our local schools and a graduate of the Thorp High School, Class of 1933.

He was united in marriage to Dolores Micke at La Crosse, Wisconsin on November 28, 1936, and they have made their home in Thorp since that time.

For nineteen years Bennie worked at the thorp Courier and under the management of the late William Wagner and Son.

In 1952 he and his wife established a printing business of their own here in Thorp, which they managed tougher until the time of his death.

Mr. Burkhardt was an active member and helped to organize the Queen of Peace Council 4634 of the Knights of Columbus.

He also was a member of St. Bernard's Holy Name society, Catholic Order of Foresters, Moose Lodge, Rock Dam Rod and Gun Club, a twenty years member of the Thorp Volunteer Fire Department.

In 1966 the American Legion, Cecil Tormey Post 118, presented Bennie with a trophy for services rendered as their bugler for many years.

Being a lover of old time music, many friends will warmly remember him as the trumpet man with Frank Jasinek's and Emil Kodl's Dance bands.

Survivors are his wife, Dolores, two daughters, Mrs. Louis (Marlene) Schumacher, Minneapolis, Minn.; Julie, and a a son Leon, at home.; also three grandchildren; and his mother, Mrs. Sophia Burkhardt, a resident at the Neillsville Nursing Home.

He was preceded in death by an infant son and his father, Alfred Burkhardt.

Funeral services were heldon Thursday at 10:00 a.m. from St. Bernard's Catholic Church, with Father Francis Brockman officiating, with interment in St. Bernard's Cemetery.