Ralph A. Burkart

Ralph Anthony Burkart, 91, of Peru passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 1, 2025 at Illinois Veterans Home at La Salle.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Saturday, July 5, at St. Joseph’s Church in Peru with Rev. Gary Blake officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Webster Park, Spring Valley with full military honors conducted by the Peru American Legion. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday, July 5, from 9:30 AM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. Burkart was born in Westfield Township on November, 12, 1933 to William and Helen (Pitstick) Burkart. He married Karen J. Koch at St. Benedict’s Church in Ladd on August 2, 1958.

He served with the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. For 20 years, Ralph worked as an agent with Metropolitan Insurance. He worked at Consolidated Freightways, and he was a school bus driver for 18 years. Along with his wife Karen, Ralph owned and operated the A&W Rootbeer Stand  in Spring Valley during the late 1970’s. Mr. Burkart was also a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Church.

Our sweet Ralphie was a wonderful man who loved his family the most and the simple joys of life.  He was a gentle, humble, and kind soul always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved his wife dearly and took great care of her as well as his children and grandchildren. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for his family. He had a soft spot for all the dogs in his life and always enjoyed a good milkshake.  He will be remembered for his off the cuff jokes, his quiet wisdom, the way he made others feel, and how he cared for those close to him. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He spent many summers with Karen and his family at Fish’n’Fun in McNabb, where they made many treasured memories by the lake. He never missed a family event or a ball game. He was the core of the Burkart family and his presence will be felt in every gathering, every laugh, and every shared story.

Mr. Burkart is survived by his two sons, Brad (Mary Beth) Burkart of Peru and Randy (Brenda) Burkart of Peru; three granddaughters, Andrea, Amanda, and Britney Burkart; one grandson Brett (Amber) Burkart; one great granddaughter, Addison Jaegle; one great grandson, Cooper Burkart; brother, Eugene Burkart; sister-in-law, Elsie Burkart; brother-in-law, Gerald McCormick; many nieces and nephews; and a great grand pup, Lulu. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen on February 16, 2020, his parents, one son Gregory, two brothers, Norbert (Betty) and Leroy Burkart, two sisters, Cecelia McCormick and Rose Marie Burkart, sister-in-law, Teresa Burkart, and brother-in-law, Leo Gillian.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Illinois Valley Animal Rescue (IVAR) in memory of Ralph Anthony Burkart. He spent his life loving dogs and dreamt of dogs never having to stay at a “dog pond” and always having a loving home. 
 

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