DONALD H. BURKHARDT, 82, lifelong Cherokee, Iowa resident, passed away peacefully Sunday evening July 4, 2010 at his home surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 7th, at 2 p.m. at the Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee. Mr. Don Agostine will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Cherokee. There will be military rites at the graveside by L.A. Wescott Post #2253 of the V.F.W. There will be a family prayer service at 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday. Visitation will be on Tuesday from
10 a.m. until 9 p.m. with the family present from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com

He was born on April 6, 1928 at Cherokee, Iowa to Harry & Leita (Mason) Burkhardt. He graduated from Cherokee Wilson High School in 1946. He was a veteran of WW II serving in the U.S. Air Force from April 4, 1946 until July 31, 1947, being discharged as a Sergeant with the Victory Medal. He was married to Lois Molgaard on November 21, 1954 at Alta, Iowa. Don worked for Peterson Motors in Cherokee from 1950 until 1980. He was a GM Master Mechanic and received many Sales Awards over the years. He also owned and operated Don Burkhardt Motors until his retirement in 1994 from the automobile industry. He then opened Ranch Antiques in his retirement. He was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. He was a member of L.A. Wescott Post #2253 of the V.F.W., Siouxland Antique Dealers Association, National Bit & Spur Association, and the local Saddle Club. The most important part of Don's life, was spending time with his family. He also enjoyed old west history, collecting western bits and spurs, ranch antiques, watching NASCAR, especially Earnhardt. Don liked attending the Blue Angels Air Shows to see his granddaughter Alicia (crew chief for jet #5) and also loved his dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and brother-in-law Helen and Jack Roberts.

He is survived by his wife Lois, his 5 children: Deborah (Dan) Williams of St. Mary's, Iowa; Harry Burkhardt of Cherokee, Iowa; William (Karen) Burkhardt of Cherokee, Iowa; Blaine (Donna) Burkhardt of Cherokee, Iowa; Donise (Bryon) Raper of Cherokee, Iowa; 10 grandchildren: Jessica (Matt) Leonard; Jeff (Le Ann) Burkhardt; Justin McFadden; Alicia Raper and her fiance Marshall Parks; Michael Burkhardt; Katie Burkhardt; Ben Raper; Ashley Burkhardt; Kelsey Raper; Weston Burkhardt; 4 great grandchildren: Xavier, Xander and Xaylan Leonard; Mykala McFadden.