BURCKHARDT, Allen J.

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Allen J. Burckhardt, 83, of Scottsdale, Ariz., passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at Scottsdale Nursing and Rehab Center, where he had been a patient since May 2005. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Elsie (Deike) Burckhardt; two daughters, Sandra (Jim) Mihalko and Diana Burckhardt; and two sons, Douglas (Laurie) and Richard Burckhardt. Also two grandchildren, Kathryn Mihalko and Spencer Burckhardt, as well as two great-grandchildren, Alexander and Dita Blackford, survive. Two "adopted" children also survive - Rob Vangen and Patty Calvin. He was born on Aug. 27, 1925, in Freeport, Ill., the son of Albert and Pearl (Cuplin) Burckhardt, both of whom preceded him in death, as well as a brother, Roy, who died at age 5 before Allen was born. He farmed in Stephenson County, Ill., for many years before moving to Arizona in 1978, residing in Prescott, Ariz., and moving to Scottsdale in 1984. He worked for a number of years with Berry Bros. Firewood, and later did assembly work at Best's before retiring. He was a devoted husband, and a loving father and grandfather, and his great sense of humor endeared him to many friends and neighbors. He was a member of Scottsdale United Methodist Church, and a memorial service was at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road, on Wednesday, March 18, 2009. A reception was at SUMC, 4140 N. Miller Road, following the service. A private interment service will be at a later date at Green Acres Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for Scottsdale United Methodist Church. Information provided by survivors.