Edward John Burghardt

Edward John Burghardt 1935-2017 Edward (Ed) passed away on Wednesday, August 30th, at his family home with his three children, loving wife, and life's partner by his side. Ed was born in Grand Island, Nebraska to Henry and Helen (Nel) Burghardt on May 9, 1935. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brother George. Ed and Lois met in Omaha, Nebraska in 1960, and were married on November 3, 1962. They spent nearly 55 wonderful years together. Ed was survived by his wife, Lois Mae, his three children Barry John, Deanna Lynn, Rhonda Lee, his three sisters, Eileen Dingworth, Loraine Krupski, Helen Miller, and many nieces and nephews.
As a young boy Ed lived on a farm outside of Saint Labory, Nebraska with his family. He resided there until he joined the Navy.

Ed graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1953. Shortly after he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was trained as a radio operator in San Diego, California. He was selected to learn the Russian Language, and was educated in Washington D.C. His first assignment was in Adak, Alaska-part of the Aleutian lslands, where he worked intercepting Russian communications. He ended his Navy career with an assignment on the U.S.S. Salem, 611 Fleet, Flag ship.

Ed was involved in many organizations throughout the years. Many of which involved his children, whom be loved and adored. These included, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts and the Missoula Business Builder's Association. In addition, he enjoyed the company of friends through various coffee groups. Very important to him was being a part of a senior golfing group fondly referred to as "The Geezers", who golfed with regularity each Thursday. This love for golf left Lois as a golf widow three to five months out of the year. Ed often fondly recalled his many years with Carpenter Paper Company-Unisource. Here he built many special and lasting friendships.
Ed was intensely loved and will be greatly missed by all of his friends and family.

A Vigil will be held on September 6th, at 7:00 P.M. at Garden City Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Parish on Thursday, September 7th at 10:30 a.m. with a reception to follow. Interment will be held at Western Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. All who wish, are welcomed to join the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the local humane society in Ed’s honor. Ed had a deep love for all animals.