Virginia Ann Burkhardt

Virginia Ann Burkhardt (Ginny), 78, of Rockford, died at 7:15 a.m., Thursday, August 23, 2007 in Provena Cor Mariae Center after a long illness. Born January 27, 1929 in Burlington, WI, the daughter of Nicholas P. and S. Margaret (Berthiaume) Kramer. She attended St. Marys School graduating with honors, class of 1947. She married Ralph B. Burkhardt in Burlington, WI on October 22, 1949. Graduated from first Certified Dental Assistants Course taught in Rockford in 1950 and worked for area dentists for many years. From 1966 to 1981 worked for Canfield Clinic/Brookside of Swedish American Group as an office nurse for several physicians Dr. Leroy Back, Dr. Donald F. Hajek, then Coordinator of Risk Control Patient Services and finally as Assistant Administrator until diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome. While at Canfield attended Rock Valley School of Nursing 1968-1972, monitored courses at University of Wisconsin Madison Campus and University of Illinois Extension courses. In 1967, she volunteered many hours to help the injured after the Belvidere tornado. In 1988 to 1993 worked with best friend Carolyn Kennedy, RRT in Aids Care Network serving as Patient Advocate, later as a Volunteer Excellence Director. Over the years continued interest in education, always advancing knowledge base in Patient Advocacy, Patients Bill of Rights. She also served as a consultant in the out patient program at the Polio Clinic at Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for rehabilitation in Georgia. She had a deep and abiding spiritual faith, love of family and friends. Became a Stephens Minister and worked as a Chaplains Assistant at Swedish American prior to becoming a Stephens Minister. Attended Leadership Courses at Rockford Memorial and volunteered several years in 1980s and then again in 1990s. She was a member of St. Bernadettes parish for many years also member of St. Patricks for 10 years and returning to St. Bernadettes in late 1990s. Member and moderator of Junior Great Books in 1960s, also attended Renew for 3 or 5 years at both parishes and Womens Bible Study. Belonged to the early Theatre Guild, Rockford Writers Guild, studied writing with John Gile, music (voice) with Maestro Lurene Rogers. Survived by her husband, Ralph of Rockford; sons Dr. David (Linda) Burkhardt of Denton, TX and Mark (Janis) Burkhardt of Roscoe; grandson, Ryan of Roscoe; sisters Charlotte (Gerald) Roberts and Margaret (Floyd) Roberts of Burlington, WI; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents and brothers Walter and Harold Kramer. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Provena Cor Mariae Center and Heartland Hospice for all their love, compassion and support during her illness. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 27, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church with Rev. John Stringini officiating. Interment will be private in Arlington Memorial Park. Visitation will be held in the Parish Hall of St. Bernadette from 9-9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a designation at a later date. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel.