Obituary: Thomas “TJ” “Tom” J. Burkart

Thomas “TJ” “Tom” J. Burkart, age 76, of Reedsville, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, in Wauwatosa.

Tom was born on April 27, 1947 in Manitowoc, son of the late Lawrence and Jean (Ryan) Burkart. He attended Valders High School. On June 24, 1967 he married the former Patricia Wachal at St. Mary Catholic Church in Reedsville. Tom was employed with the Manitowoc Company until his retirement and then went to work for the Union Operator Engineers and DAWES. He was also a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Reedsville. Tom was a “Ford Guy” through and through, and he also enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, 4 wheelers, Harley Davidson motorcycles, and relaxing in Dunbar, WI. But above all else, Tom loved his family and cherished the time he had with them.

Survivors include his wife: Pat Burkart, Reedsville; one sister: Mary (Tim) Fintelmann, Newton, one brother: Paul (Janise) Burkart, Bruce Crossing, MI; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jan (Nick) Schiesel, Menchalville, Karyl Schaefer, Brillion, Gene (Kay) Wachal, Brillion. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter: Carri; and two brothers-in-law: Don Wachal and Jim Schaefer.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brillion. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Tom Pomeroy.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be made.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Reedsville First Responders, Valders Ambulance, and the hospital staffs in the Froedert-Holy Family Network for their care and compassion.

The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Reedsville & Brillion are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.