Paul R. Burkhart

Paul R. Burkhart, age 90, passed away on May 25, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born January 5, 1934 to Lucille (Nee Lammers) and Leo “Lee” Burkhart.  He was born on his grandparents’ (Christ and Mary Burkhart) farm in rural New Bavaria.  He attended a one room schoolhouse, on the corner of the Burkhart family farm, later going to school in New Bavaria, before moving to Defiance and attending St. Mary Catholic School through the eighth grade.  Paul was a 1951 graduate of Defiance High School and began employment at GTE Sylvania/Philips in Ottawa, where he retired after 40 years, with time off serving in the US Army between 1955-57,  stationed in Korea.  After retirement, he worked an additional 10 years at the Defiance Hospital, delivering home medical supplies.

On November 29, 1958 Paul married the girl next door, the love of his life, Ramona Hull.  They were married in St. Mary Catholic parsonage, Defiance, and honeymooned in New Orleans.   They resided on the Burkhart family farm, where Paul was born, all their married lives, raising five children.   They were very active in their children’s activities and sports, coaching Holgate Junior Girls Softball team for a number of years.  He was a devoted follower of all Cleveland and OSU sports.

Paul loved his farm home, where he raised beef cattle and took great pride in his large garden.  He enjoyed family vacations, taking their children to nearly all of the 50 states and the Canadian providences.  Both he and his wife were avid readers and shared that love of books by volunteering at the Defiance Library, delivering books to the homebound for many years.

One of Paul’s greatest joys in life was traveling the world with Ramona.   They visited 38 countries, including numerous castles and cathedrals across Europe, walked the Great Wall of China, riding elephants in India, and climbing Mt. Sinai in the Holy Land.

Paul was devout in his Catholic faith and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria.  He served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister for over 45 years and was a member of the Catholic War Veterans.

Paul is survived by Ramona, his loving wife of 65 years and their 5 children, Laura Burkhart, Botkins, Elaine (Gary) Aukerman, Jeromesville, Valerie Shaw, Lancaster, Gina Hutchinson, Waterville and Dan (Roni) Burkhart, Montpelier; nine grandchildren, one great grandchild and a sister Rosalie (Dave) Bronson, Tavares, FL.  Paul was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be in the Zachrich Family Funeral Home, Holgate on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 2-7:00 pm and again at the church from 9:30 am.  Mass of Christian Burial is in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria on Saturday at 10:30 am with Father Nick Cunningham officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.   Please visit ZachrichFuneralHome.com to leave online condolences.