David Bruce Burkhardt
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David Bruce Burkhardt, age 61, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 29th, 2019, at home surrounded by his family. He was born September 4th, 1957, to Gene and Maryann Burkhardt in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He worked for Ford Motor Co. in Allen Park for 30 years before relocating to Phoenix, AZ in 2009. There he would continue his passion for the automotive industry working in the service department at a local Ford dealer.
Dave’s life can easily be summarized as “the man who loved and was loved by everyone.” He is revered by friends and family alike for his calm, caring, and loving demeanor. He brought smiles to all those fortunate enough to have known him. His incredible taste in cars, music, and a passion for history made him a lifelong student of the world. All will remember how he enriched their lives.
He is survived by his mother, Maryann Burkhardt, of Tipton, MI; his forever love of 28 years, Deborah Burkhardt of Phoenix, AZ; his sister, Sharon Burkhardt (fiancee Chad); his brother, Mark Burkhardt; brothers-in-law, Rick Massey (Jackie), Karon (Bud) Smith, and Sharon (Robert) Clark.
Five children also survive him, Andrea Underwood of Adrian, MI, Alisha (DeWayne) Fulcher of Atlanta, GA, Robert Smith and his fiancee Dawn Hinchcliff, Richard Smith, and Kevin Coon of Phoenix, AZ; all his grandchildren, Brandon( fiancee Tony), Ashley, Caitlin, Brock, Bradie, Jennah, Grant, Natty, Cole, Corey, and Cayden; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Raymond Burkhardt.
In lieu of flowers, his wishes were for donations to be made to the ALS foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home in Queen Creek, AZ.
An additional Celebration of Life will be scheduled for David in Michigan at a later date.
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Shirley Bills says: David is the same age as my oldest daughter. We were very close friends living in Corunna, Mi. I loved all the family. Gene, Maryann, David, Sharon and Mark. Prayers for the family from Shirley
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Ronald Baker says:
Dave Burkhardt was friends to all. I never once heard Dave utter an unkind word about anyone.
Dave and I worked together at Ford Motor Company. His knowledge and love for trucks and and show cars. Made him a valuable asset .
Dave also traveled throughout the United States on Development Nd test trips. I had the pleasure of many trips with Dave. His favorite test sites were APG and Bemidji Mn. We had great memories of our antics and tomfoolery during our down time.
Dave was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
I was planning to visit on my next trip out west, but we will have to postpone our reunion until I join him in heave.
Dave and I golfed? and bowled? In Ford leagues. When Dave would hit a poor shot, he wouldn’t swear or throw his clubs, or as one member once did, throw his clubs, bag and all into the water hazard. Dave would always say, “Oh Dave!”
He will be sorely missed by all. -
Dan zapico says:
Dave was such a great man so sorry for your loss I made him happy one day i took him to get his camaro he thanked me 100 times.gone to soon rip my friend
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Jeff Andring says:
I worked with Dave for many years at the Ford Motor Co. He was the image of his obituary, we all respected him very much. I can honestly say everyone that has ever worked with Dave was his friend. I will miss him.
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Frank Rivard says:
Dave was a good person. Would always help if he could. I do recall retrieving his Camaro show car at lunch when his bid was accepted.
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Tye says:
Dave and I worked together from 2013 until he retired, again. I truly enjoyed his company at work. He was a go to guy, any trouble with a Customer, he’d handle it. I would always go by to say Hi when at work, it was a great way to start my day.
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Donna Anderson says:
Dave was a great man he will be greatly missed. Miss your face my friend.
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Gary Glowacz says:
I also many years with Dave at FoMoCo. He was a pleasant man. He would take time out if you had any kind of question. He was always upbeat and pleasant and try to get you to laugh if you were having a bad day. He truly will be missed. He has left the bonds of Earth and lifted by the hands of God into Heaven. Rest his soul.
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Alisha says:
Dave was just such a fun dad. We had this absurd sense of humor together that was always so entertaining and his words of wisdom were great. He was always so accomplished at work and I admired it so much. I learned to share his love of labs and show cars. My kids already miss him. I miss him. He’s just too young to be gone already. ALS is a very difficult disease, please consider supporting ALS research.
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Andrea L Underwood says:
To anyone in the Michigan area, his service here will be at the Handler Funeral home in Tecumseh, MI September 28th 1-4pm. 313 W Pottawatamie St, Tecumseh, MI 49286
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Dave Scherrer says:
Sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a gentleman, multi-talented, and all around super guy. We keep many memories of our times at Ford and on the golf course especially playing with Dave and his Dad, Gene. He’ll be missed by all who knew him.
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John Nickols says:
Dave Burkhardt God be with you and i know he is because he stays with the good. Dave was the nicest and most respectful young man to me that i hoped my 5 children would be like him. Dave was a personal friend of mine as well as a co-worker at FoMoCo. They don’t come any better than him. To the family my deepest sympathy. He will be missed by all. I hope to see you buddy down the road.
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Chris Bonomo says:
Prayers to the Burkhart family on the passing of David I grew up down the road from David ….so to Mary Ann , Sharon , Mark and all his family and friends God bless , David was a great guy what I remember of him and always had cool cars…
Shirley Bills 
Ronald Baker 
Dan zapico 
Jeff Andring 
Frank Rivard 
Tye 
Donna Anderson 
Gary Glowacz 
Alisha 
Andrea L Underwood 
Dave Scherrer 
John Nickols 
Chris Bonomo
David is the same age as my oldest daughter. We were very close friends living in Corunna, Mi. I loved all the family. Gene, Maryann, David, Sharon and Mark. Prayers for the family from Shirley
Dave Burkhardt was friends to all. I never once heard Dave utter an unkind word about anyone.
Dave and I worked together at Ford Motor Company. His knowledge and love for trucks and and show cars. Made him a valuable asset .
Dave also traveled throughout the United States on Development Nd test trips. I had the pleasure of many trips with Dave. His favorite test sites were APG and Bemidji Mn. We had great memories of our antics and tomfoolery during our down time.
Dave was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
I was planning to visit on my next trip out west, but we will have to postpone our reunion until I join him in heave.
Dave and I golfed? and bowled? In Ford leagues. When Dave would hit a poor shot, he wouldn’t swear or throw his clubs, or as one member once did, throw his clubs, bag and all into the water hazard. Dave would always say, “Oh Dave!”
He will be sorely missed by all.
Dave was such a great man so sorry for your loss I made him happy one day i took him to get his camaro he thanked me 100 times.gone to soon rip my friend
I worked with Dave for many years at the Ford Motor Co. He was the image of his obituary, we all respected him very much. I can honestly say everyone that has ever worked with Dave was his friend. I will miss him.
Dave was a good person. Would always help if he could. I do recall retrieving his Camaro show car at lunch when his bid was accepted.
Dave and I worked together from 2013 until he retired, again. I truly enjoyed his company at work. He was a go to guy, any trouble with a Customer, he’d handle it. I would always go by to say Hi when at work, it was a great way to start my day.
Dave was a great man he will be greatly missed. Miss your face my friend.
I also many years with Dave at FoMoCo. He was a pleasant man. He would take time out if you had any kind of question. He was always upbeat and pleasant and try to get you to laugh if you were having a bad day. He truly will be missed. He has left the bonds of Earth and lifted by the hands of God into Heaven. Rest his soul.
Dave was just such a fun dad. We had this absurd sense of humor together that was always so entertaining and his words of wisdom were great. He was always so accomplished at work and I admired it so much. I learned to share his love of labs and show cars. My kids already miss him. I miss him. He’s just too young to be gone already. ALS is a very difficult disease, please consider supporting ALS research.
To anyone in the Michigan area, his service here will be at the Handler Funeral home in Tecumseh, MI September 28th 1-4pm. 313 W Pottawatamie St, Tecumseh, MI 49286
Sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a gentleman, multi-talented, and all around super guy. We keep many memories of our times at Ford and on the golf course especially playing with Dave and his Dad, Gene. He’ll be missed by all who knew him.
Dave Burkhardt God be with you and i know he is because he stays with the good. Dave was the nicest and most respectful young man to me that i hoped my 5 children would be like him. Dave was a personal friend of mine as well as a co-worker at FoMoCo. They don’t come any better than him. To the family my deepest sympathy. He will be missed by all. I hope to see you buddy down the road.
Prayers to the Burkhart family on the passing of David I grew up down the road from David ….so to Mary Ann , Sharon , Mark and all his family and friends God bless , David was a great guy what I remember of him and always had cool cars…