Rodney L. Burkum

Rodney Lee Burkum, 80, went to his Lord March 29, 2023. His wife, Linda Cheryl Burkum (nee Bell), was there by his side, as she was during their more than 60 years of courtship and marriage.

He was born February 6, 1943, on a farm in Trout Creek, Wisconsin, to Erven Maylin and Myrtle Alvina (nee Olson) Burkum. As an infant, Rodney moved with his family to the dairy farm in Crow Hollow where he went on to live nearly 79 years. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Petersburg before graduating from Gays Mills High School. He wed Linda on September 21, 1963, at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Gays Mills, where Rodney was a charter member. Both he and Linda held leadership positions at the church throughout most of their lives.

He and Linda raised three children: Jodi Kay, Kevin Lee, and Jennifer Mae.

Jodi married Pat Brockway in 1988. She served a special role in the lives of Pat’s daughters, Casey, and Sara. Jodi lost a lengthy battle with cancer in October 1992.

Rodney’s five grandchildren, Luke, Toby and Anderson (Kevin’s sons with wife, Karen) and Kaydence and Jocelyn (Jen’s daughters with Dave Davis), adored him and sought his special ‘haircuts,’ ‘papa sundaes’ and scary stories around the fire pit.

They will miss him dearly.

In addition to Jodi, Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herbert O. Burkum; sister, Ellen Kobs; and infant sisters, Arlene and Anita.

Rodney’s personality, infectious laugh and sense of humor could light up a room. He will be remembered for his love of family, which included friends, friends of friends and even strangers in need of a helping hand. His strong faith guided him through life’s highs and lows – of which, Rodney would say, the highs far outnumbered the lows.

He is survived and will be missed by Linda; his sister, Lola (Ronnie) Peterson of Gays Mills; his children, Kevin (Karen) Burkum of Park Ridge, Illinois, and Jennifer Davis of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; his grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Gays Mills Food Pantry or Luther Memorial Church in Gays Mills would be appreciated by the family.

A Memorial Service will be held at Noon on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove. Pastor Carrie Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Rodney will be laid to rest at the Gays Mills Cemetery following the service. A luncheon will be held at the new community center in Gays Mills.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Rodney's family.

123 W. Decker St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-2100