Robert Eugene Burkhart
October 17, 2010
Robert Eugene Burkhart, age 85, of Des Moines, went to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 17, 2010. On December 6, 1959, he asked Jesus Christ to forgive him from his sins and be his Savior. That was the day he really began to live a life that would never end. His passion was to tell everyone he met, that God loved them. In the Bible John 3:16-18 states, ”For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
He enjoyed gardening, beekeeping, teaching, fishing for fish, and fishing for the souls of men. He taught in the Iowa public school system for 35 years before retiring, then returned to teaching at age 75 for an additional 9 years. He loved helping students reach their full potential in every area of life. Bob served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was on several ships, including the USS Cape Gloucester. Bob was a member of Norwoodville Baptist Church in Des Moines.
Bob married Maude Eckard, the love of his life on Valentine’s Day in 1953. He is survived by Maude; their children, Mary Larsen (Rob), Bob Burkhart (Kathy), and Ron Burkhart (Helen), ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, all of whom he dearly loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister, and grandson.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 19, at Grandview Park Baptist Church, 1701 E. 33rd Street at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:30 p.m. before the memorial service.
Graveside services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Bob Burkhart Memorial Fund for various worldwide, Christ-honoring missions projects chosen by the family.
On-line condolences to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
dennis and sally sorensen
10/19/2010
Bob was one of the most genuine, friendly, God-Fearing and caring men we ever met. He was instrumental in our early Christian lives, never judgemental but always instructive and encouraging. May God's peace be with you all at this time.
Loren and Brenda Stoneberg
10/19/2010
We would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolonces to your entire family and understand that we are lifting you up before the Father at this time.
To adapt a phrase from the late Dr. Ralph Turk, "Bob is not dead, he is more alive than he has ever been!". We sorrow with you and at the same time rejoice with you in the fact that Bob is in the presence of his Lord and Savior at this very moment.
I have such fond memories of Bob and am so thankful for him. He was a preachers friend if ever there was one and I know that he prayed faithfully for us not only when we were pastoring in Russell, but here lately in our pulpit supply ministry.
May God pour out an extra measure of His grace upon you during this difficult time and we will continue to pray for you.
On behalf of Brenda, Erik and Rachael,
Loren Stoneberg
Ron & Clista Gail
10/19/2010
Bob was our beloved spiritual father. We are so thankful we got to know him and his lovely family. He truly walked his talk. We rejoice at his graduation to Heaven but know he will truly be missed. He fought a good fight for Jesus. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Love, Ron & Clista Gail
Hector Arias 132FW 1st Sgt.
10/19/2010
Dear Family of Bob Burkhart,
Our thoughts and love are with you in this time of great loss. We extend our most sincere condolences and hope that if your family ever needs the support of another family the 132 Fighter Wing is always there.
Andy and Karen Rice
10/19/2010
We are with you in spirit as you celebrate Bob's Home Going. He was a great friend through the 70's as we knew Bob and Maude at Grandview. When we think of him we remember his love for Christ and souls. He will never be forgotten.
Proverbs 10:7a
David & Kathy Cortner
10/19/2010
Our love and prayers are with your whole family. We are thankful for Bob's spiritual zeal and for many great memories of an individual who was truly spiritually sensitive and gifted in encouragement.
Virgil and Dolores Bunjer
10/19/2010
Dear Family of Bob Burkhart.
We have just learned that he has been promoted to Glory. His excited rejoicing at meeting the Savior, whom he loved so much and served, would have been something to behold. What an encourager he was to us through his sparkle and interest in us and our ministry in Germany for 40 years! We know his memoria service will be one of praise and a great testimony - a comfort to you in this time of great loss. Our love to you in Christ, Virgil and Dolores
Tom & Penny Fogle
10/18/2010
We rejoice that he is no longer suffering . We know the family will miss Bob, but what a legacy he has left. Everyone knew he loved His God. He gave the plan of salvation often. You will see him again in heaven. Our prayers go with you. In Christ, Tom and Penny Fgle
Wendy and Troy Hemme
10/18/2010
Bob and Kathy and Kids,
Our thoughts and love are with you as you celebrate the life of your father and grandfather. Sending hugs from Philly,
Wendy and Troy Hemme
Bill and Nancy Givens
10/19/2010
Maude and Family,
Our words seem so inadequate to express our sympathy for your earthly loss. Please know that we are thinking of you at this time and will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We are so thankful for having had the opportunity to know Bob this side of Heaven, and be able to watch and learn from such a faithful, godly man who truly walked with the Lord. We had the wonderful chance to know someone who genuinely loved the Lord and others with all his heart. Never have we seen someone who had such a passion for serving God that it just seemed that the love of God just seemed to overflow from within. Bob was just an amazing man, who taught so much with his walk with the Lord. We can only imagine what a reunion there was when he saw his Savior face to face. We can see Bob now praising his Savior for all He has done. Again, know we are praying for you and if we can ever be of help please let us know. Praying for God's blessing for you.
Ron and Ruth Bechtel
10/18/2010
We remember Bob as a beloved friend and frequent encourager. Both in word and deed, Bob exemplified a love for Jesus Christ and a love for his neighbor as himself--a true Christian indeed. We shall surely miss him. Our hearts are with his family. We wish we could be present at his service.
phil bechtel
10/18/2010
My sympathies to all of you,but I rejoice Bob is praising his Lord and Savior this very moment!