Charles H. Burkart, age 75, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:30 a.m., on Friday, March 30, 2017, at home. To honor Charles’ life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 2001 Saint Joseph Street, with Rev. Gabriel C. Anderson officiating. To celebrate Charles’ life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post #6.

Charles was born on May 8, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Elmer N. and Helen D. (Paar) Burkart.

Charles grew up in Dubuque and attended Loras Academy before finally becoming a proud graduate of the 1st class at Wahlert High School. Charles went on to next honorably serve his country with the U.S. Air Force, during the Vietnam War. He was eventually united in marriage to his soul-mate, Frances Schmitt Paisley, on June 14, 1975, in Dubuque. The two were graciously blessed with 40 wonderful years together, before she was sadly called home ahead of him on September 9, 2015. Charles had a strong work ethic, which he put to good use with Eagle Window and Door for 7 years, Inland Molasses for 12 years, and finally another 9 years with Regis Paper Company, before he finally retired. He was always very proud of his service to our country and was a long-time member of the American Legion Dubuque Post #6. He was also honored to be involved with the Republican Party for many years, and was even fortunate enough to be voted Treasurer during his service. In his free time, Charles thoroughly enjoyed listening to music, traveling the world in search of a new experience, and sitting down to read a good book, always eager to expand his wealth of knowledge about world history and the railroad. Our hearts ache today with the loss of Charles from our daily lives, but we know he is once again spending time with Fran and that all of his earthly struggles have ceased, only to be replace by absolute joy, perfection and love. Thank you Charles for all the memories you leave behind; we’ll absolutely cherish them until we meet again.

Those left to cherish Charles’ memory include

his sister,
Karen Schwendinger, Epworth, IA;

his sister-in-law,
Rosemary Burkart, Morris Plains, NJ;

his 5 step-children,
Thomas J. Paisley, Dubuque, IA,
Karen S. Potter, Dubuque, IA,
Daniel J. Paisley Sr., Lexington, KY,
Pamela M. McDaniel, Madison, WI
and Gregory G. (Mary) Paisley, Dubuque, IA;

12 step-grandchildren,
Lee (Mari) Potter,
Shelby (Tony) Bellomio,
Stephanie (Billy) Dean,
Stacy (Tim) Welu,
Daniel (Ann) Paisley Jr.,
Robert Paisley,
Edward Flattery,
Brittany McDaniel,
William Paisley,
Samuel Paisley,
Sara (Tim) Biang
and Lynn (Jonathan) Anderson;

many step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren;

and several nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances “Fran” Burkart; a brother, Raymond Burkart; a brother-in-law, Thomas Schwendinger; a step-grandson, Rob Potter and a nephew, Thomas Burkart.

Charles’ family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Above and Beyond Hospice, Home Instead, and his wonderful neighbors, Jason, Beth, Anna and Evelyn, for all of their loving care and support.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com