Fritz "Fred" Helmut Burkhardt

Fritz "Fred" Helmut Burkhardt, age 89, passed away Monday, February 23, 2009 at Four Winds Manor in Verona, Wis. He was born November 25, 1919, in Pforzheim, Germany, the son of Fritz and Emile (Burk) Burkhardt. He immigrated with his parents to New York City when he was seven years old. Fred served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He was retired from McDonnell Douglas Corporation in Long Beach, California; Braniff Airways and Pan American Grace Airlines in South America. He traveled extensively outside the U.S., and could tell many stories of his forays into non-tourist areas. He was an avid reader and always took advantage of classes at local educational facilities. Fred spoke five languages, but particularly loved Spanish and enjoyed dancing to Latin rhythms. He became an artist in his retired years and his works are all shared by family. Fred spent his last three years at Four Winds Manor, where everyone had a chance to enjoy his cheerful personality. He is survived by his wife of thirty six years, Virginia (Salika-Huber) Burkhardt, also living at Four Winds Manor; daughter, Jane E.(Wyman) Burkhardt, of Montague, Mass.; step-son, Richard J (Nancy) Huber, of Salida, California; step-daughter, Janyce (Michael) West, of Verona, Wis.; grandchildren, Danielle, Kelly and Christopher, one great grandchild, Nathaniel; and a nucleus of close friends from his years of employment in Lima, Peru. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bertha Kozik in Florida. Private services will be held. "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." --Dr. Seuss