Submitted by: Dan Rich

Florence Elsie Burkhart

June 5, 1922 - April 16, 2008

South Bend Tribune 4/19/2008
MISHAWAKA - Florence "Flo" Elsie "Elsa" Buirkhart. On Wednesday at 9:00 p.m., during a brief stay for rehab at Fountainview Pl.-Golden Living Ctr. in Mishawaka. Florence, 85, born to Cyrilla Christiaens De Geyter and Baziel De Geyter in Mishawaka, went to her eternal rest surrounded by her children.

Flo married Lynde F. Burkhart, Jr. in 1945 in Norfolk, Virginia. They were married for 54 years before he preceded her in death on March 29, 1999 after a brief illness. Flo is survived by four children (Lynde F. Burkhart/aka "Rock" of Mishawaka, Cheryl C. Lane of South Bend, Cynthia G. Lehner (Michael) of Mishawaka, and Thomas D. Burkhart of Mishawaka; nine grandchildren (Lisa Burkhart Bloss, Phillip Knapp, Nikki Lane Crep, Ryan Lane, Kristen Lehner, Jeff Lehner, Matthew Lehner, Angela Burkhart, and Ashley Burkhart); and five great grandchildren (Taylor and Hanna Bloss, Rorie and Gracie Lynn Burkhart, and Isabella Crep). Surviving Flo are also two sisters: Martha/aka "Marty" Botos and Gabriel/aka "Gabe" Poikus, both of Mishawaka, and a sister-in-law: Katherine Goegebeur of Mishawaka. One brother, Walter De Geyter, and two sisters, Josephine Somnis and Leona Nemes also preceded Flo in death, as did her parents (her mother was 104 years old at death).

Flo had a great love for the outdoors, but especially loved fishing off of their pier on the St. Joseph River in Mishawaka, cross-country skiing, and camping across the countryside. With her husband, Flo enjoyed the many Naval Reserve cruises they took over the years. She also loved planting flowers and vegetables and working in her yard. During her children's school age years, Flo served as room mother. Flo also loved to sing and play her harmonica and guitar and loved to draw. Flo worked at Ball Band/Uniroyal and many other places over the years. Flo and Lynde attended Queen of Peace Church in Mishawaka regularly in their healthier years.

Father Dan Scheidt of Queen of Peace will officiate at the private family service today at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola. Flo's family would like to thank the staff at Fountainview Pl.-Golden Living Ctr. for their kindness and care of Flo during her brief stay. Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, is handling arrangements.