Donald Wayne Burkhart

Donald "Burkie" W. Burkhart

Donald W. Burkhart, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, joined our Lord and Savior on Sunday February 16, 2014. Don was born on January 23, 1934 in Ponca City, Oklahoma and grew up in Little Chief, driving the community's school bus when he was a senior in high school.

Don pursued his career as a nurse anesthetist, completing his nurse's training in Ponca City, becoming one of the first male nurses in the state of Oklahoma. He studied anesthesia at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He married Henrietta (Hank) Christine Patak on December 13, 1957 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Don and Hank moved to Longmont Colorado in 1964 to launch his career, and then moved to Fort Collins for his work at Poudre Valley Memorial Hospital where he served for 47 years.

Don was an avid fisherman, loving the great outdoors, and especially the area surrounding Grand Lake, Colorado. As faithful fans, Don and Hank attended University of Colorado football games for 25+ years. He loved family gatherings.

Don attended Faith Evangelical Free Church in Fort Collins and was a vibrant member of Gideons, gathering numerous friends along the way.

Don is survived by his wife Henrietta (Hank), his five children, Don (Marcia) Burkhart, Kim Zebroski, Tom (Deb) Burkhart, Karen (James) Brown, and Nancy (Rachael) Burkhart. He has seven granddaughters, Cassie (Zebroski) Davis, Melissa Zebroski, Jessie (Alan) Zebroski, Michaela Burkhart, Jordyn Burkhart, Kit Burkhart, and Addie Burkhart. He also has eight great grandchildren and seven granddogs.

Don's life will be celebrated with a memorial service on Friday, February 21, 2014 at 2:00pm at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 3920 South Shields Street in Fort Collins. Pastor Forest Saylor will officiate. A reception will follow the service. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Gideons, c/o Faith Evangelical Free Church.