Thomas David Burkart

Tom Burkart, age 79, passed away August 31, 2022 at his home in Mishawaka with his family by his side.  He was born on October 9, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa to the late David and Jeanne Burkart.  He graduated from Wahlert High School 1960 and later graduated from Loras College in 1964. In 1966 Tom met his wife and best friend for life, Jan.  They were married on July 22, 1967, at St Columbkille’s Parish in Dubuque Iowa.  Tom moved his family to Riverside, California in January 1978 to expand Flexsteel’s manufacturing operations. Tom worked at Flexsteel Industries as a Senior Executive and Officer for 48 years before retiring to Mishawaka Indiana.

Surviving are his four children: Timothy Burkart (Lisa Burkart) of Carlsbad, California, Barbara Christian (Lt. Colonel Patrick Christian) of Portland, Oregon, Christine Ann Watson (Derek Watson) of Beaverton, Oregon, and David Burkart (Courtney Burkart) of Montclair, New Jersey. Surviving as well are four grandsons; Braden and Alex Burkart, Graeme Watson and Jack Burkart, one granddaughter Charlotte Watson and his sister Carol Burkart of Dubuque, IA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jan Burkart, and his parents David Edward and Jeanne Burkart.

Visitation will be 12:30pm to 2 pm at Goethals & Wells Funeral Home; 503 W. Third St. Mishawaka with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 2:30pm on Monday September 19, 2022, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka.   Entombment will follow on September 22, 2022, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque Iowa.

Tom was a devoted Catholic and member St Joseph Parish of Mishawaka. His favorite place on earth was the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.  He retired in South Bend, Indiana to be close to the University.  In his spare time, Tom enjoyed playing golf, traveling and hosting friends for Notre Dame football weekends.

In his memory, donations may be given to the following charitable organizations:  New Melleray Abbey, 6632 Melleray Circle, Peosta, Iowa 52068 or the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund, 215 Jordan Hall of Science, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of Tom’s life or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links on the tribute wall tab above.