Ralph B. Burkhardt

Ralph B. Burkhardt, 88, of Rockford IL passed away peacefully, Wednesday morning, November 19, 2014 in Presence Cor Mariae Center. Ralph was born October 25, 1926 in Hammond IN, the son of Bruno B. and Johanne (Eidner) Burkhardt. He married Virginia Kramer on October 22, 1949 in Burlington WI.

Ralph attended Rockford schools and was an East High alumnus, class of 1945. He served in the Army Air Corps and was in Flight School when World War II ended. After his discharge from the Air Force, he attended Northern Illinois University for 2 years. He then worked for Barber Colman as a Production Controller, retiring in 1989 after 40 years.

Ralph was always known for his enthusiasm, physical strength, optimism, love of nature and space, and had a lifelong interest in music. He was a Phantom Regiment booster and a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church.

Survivors include David R. (Linda) Burkhardt, DDS of Denton TX, Mark B. (Janis) Burkhardt of Roscoe IL and step grandson Ryan Coomer of Gurnee IL. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Bruno and Johanne Burkhardt, sister Ruth, and wife Virginia.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Presence Cor Mariae, Swedish American Hospital and Heartland Hospice for their loving care and support.

Private family service with a burial in Arlington Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will held at a later date. Arrangements made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108 - To express condolences online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com