Eugene Burkle

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 7, 2011 at the Lake George Bible Chapel in Lake George, MN with Pastor John Weiher officiating.VISITATION : One hour prior to the service at the Bible Chapel on Monday.SURVIVORS : His wife of 52 years, Mary Ellen; his 5 children: Laurel (Ed) Adair, Brenda (Kevin) Larson, Thomas (Cindy) Burkle, Susan (Woody) Woodbridge and Michael (Keiko) Burkle; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. EUGENE "GENE" DONALD BURKLEOctober 4, 1936 ~ November 1, 2011 Eugene Donald Burkle, age 75 of Park Rapids, MN passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at his home near Park Rapids, MN. Gene was born on October 4, 1936 to Thomas and Bertha (Bucholz) Burkle in Kulm, North Dakota. He grew up attended the Kulm and Jamestown Schools. In his youth, Gene"s passion was racing motorcycles and cars. On August 1, 1959, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Walker in Minneapolis, MN. Their union was blessed with 5 children: Laurel, Brenda, Thomas, Susan and Michael. They resided in Jamestown, ND until 1970 when they moved to Park Rapids, MN and have resided ever since. Gene was a proud and loving member of the Lake George Bible Chapel. He was an expert mechanic, Yamaha dealer and truck driver. Gene was an avid boxing fan and loved watching Nascar. He had dedication and was driven with everything he set out to do. Along with being a devoted husband and father; he also took great pride in his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Gene will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ellen; his 5 children: Laurel (Ed) Adair, Brenda (Kevin) Larson, Thomas (Cindy) Burkle, Susan (Woody) Woodbridge and Michael (Keiko) Burkle; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edna and brothers, Clarence and Arthur. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 7, 2011 at the Lake George Bible Chapel in Lake George, MN with Pastor John Weiher officiating. Honorary casketbearers will be: Thomas Burkle, Michael Burkle, Ed Adair, Kevin Larson, Woody Woodbridge and Tom McLaughlin. A luncheon will be hosted for all to attend following the service. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.