Robert W. Burkhardt

Robert W. Burkhardt of Caro, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at St. Mary's of Michigan in Saginaw. Bob was born June 23, 1933 in Caro, the son of the late Robert H. & Marguerite E. (Lester) Burkhardt and was raised by his mother and step-father, Byron Neff. He was a 1951 graduate of Caro High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after, serving as a weapons control systems mechanic until his honorable discharge in 1956. In 1957, Bob began a forty-year career at the Caro Regional Center, retiring from the transportation department. He was united in marriage with the former Velma Stephens on March 15, 1958 and celebrated sixty years of marriage earlier this year. Bob will be remembered for his love of cars that included repairing them, washing them, or simply talking about them. He also appreciated nature and tending to his garden. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Velma Jean Burkhardt; his daughter, Robin Pennell, PhD and her husband, Laurence, of VanWert, Ohio; granddaughter, Lauren Pennell of Filling Memorial Homes in Napoleon, Ohio; two brothers, Rev. Patrick Neff and his wife, Ruth, of Surprise, Arizona, Daniel Neff of Sandusky; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one son, Mark Allen Burkhardt in 1998. In keeping with Bob's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the Dayton Center Church in Silverwood with Revs. Patrick Neff and Taylor McManigell officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Special Olympics, American Diabetes Association, or the Dayton Center Church. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, December 29, 2018 Time: 10:00 am End Time: 11:00 am Dayton Center Church Address: 3633 Phelps Lake Road Silverwood, MI 48760 The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, December 29, 2018 Time: 11:00 am Dayton Center Church Address: 3633 Phelps Lake Road Silverwood, MI 48760 A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the Dayton Center Church in Silverwood with Revs. Patrick Neff and Taylor McManigell officiating.