UPDATED SERVICE INFO: A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Cemetery, Elmira, MI. A memorial luncheon will follow, immediately after the services. Kenny’s only request to his daughter, Danielle, was that he wanted ‘good food’ to be served at his funeral.
Kenneth “Kenny” Walter Burdo, age 74, a man of many stories and endless humor, passed away on Friday, November 12, 2021.
Kenny was born on April 12, 1947, in Grayling, Michigan, to Walter and Pauline (Skibinski) Burdo. He was raised in Elmira, Michigan, attended Gaylord St. Mary’s High School and graduated in 1965. He then went on to complete a degree, in Welding, from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan.
On February 7, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country in the Vietnam War. SP-4 Rank, he was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and SPS-M16 (expert marksman). He returned from overseas combat on October 5, 1968, and was Honorably discharged on February 6, 1973.
After returning from the war, he returned to Elmira. He worked on the family farm, ‘Burdo Seed Farm’, alongside his father. Kenny later worked at US Plywood/Georgia Pacific, until they closed. He met Jacquelyn Lockman and married her on February 20, 1971. She is the mother of his four children.
Kenny was an avid hunter, trapper, fisherman, and loved his Detroit Tigers. He never missed his children’s school sporting events or band concerts. He continued the tradition with his grandchildren’s events. Kenny was known for his sense of humor and storytelling. He blessed his four children with the same sense of humor and the ability to laugh.
He is survived by his children; Jessica (Bob) Lefebvre, of Dearborn, Michigan, Danielle Burdo-Davis of Gaylord, Michigan, Jackson (Bryan) Burdo of Rock Springs, WY and Zachary (Kristy) Burdo of Gaylord, Michigan, grandchildren; Ashley (Conor Sears) Reininger, Cassidy (Jacob McClintock) Reininger, Dez Lefebvre, Aidan Davis, Reid Davis, Brady Burdo, Brandt Burdo and Brynn Burdo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; aunt’s; uncles; cousins and friends. As an only child, his cousins and lifelong friends were his siblings.
A graveside service will be held in the Spring of 2022, at St. Thomas Cemetery, Elmira, Michigan. A memorial luncheon will follow, immediately after the services. Kenny’s only request to his daughter, Danielle, was that he wanted ‘good food’ to be served at his funeral.
“Dad, we will have a polish feast that will make you proud.”
Condolence messages and memorial contributions to the family can be made through the Nelson Funeral Home. 135 N Center Ave, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
22 comments on “Kenneth “Kenny” Walter Burdo”
So sorry for your loss. Though I never met your father, he must have been an amazing man to raise such wonderful children that I call my friends. I love you all and I can’t wait to celebrate his life in the Spring, see you then, if not sooner.
Sorry for your loss!
What a beautiful tribute to a man who was clearly loved hugs to you and the family Jessica, prayers for comfort and peace.
I have many memories of “Kenny” stopping by our house probably going to/from the shop for parts or possibly for a social visit and beverage!
Cherish the memories!
Praying for you all.
Cathy & Shawn
Dear Jessica, Danielle, Jack, and Zack, we extend our condolences to each of you on your recent loss. We appreciate the time we were able to spend with your Dad and respect him for the hard-working ethic he demonstrated. Equally as important was the time he spent defending our country while serving in the Army and the profound effect the war had on his life after discharge. Though he is Marcia’s first cousin, I always thought of him as my cousin. We shared many hunting and fishing experiences and everything that went along with those experiences (laughs, good food, and plenty of “spirits”). The time we shared while camping at Otsego Lake is also very memorable. He’ll be missed by many and respected by all! We’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Marcia and Bob Deputat.
RIP “biscuit boy.”
Larry Burdo
Will be missed. Remember many fun times, always a good sense of humor. Was a great guy. RIP Ken. Prayers for the family.
So sorry for your families loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Webster dictionary needs to amend its definition of “friend “ to say see Kenny Burdo. Ken was a true friend and I am happy to say that I am a much better person today because of our friendship. Thanks for the many memories friend and god be with you.
❤
I could not have had a better friend in my lifetime than You Ken, Sixty years of close fun, trust in all the private conversation to be silent. Your sense of humor made so many hard days made easy for the both of us. Honored to ask me to be best man at your wedding. When you told me I was the closest person to brother you would ever have, what a huge compliment. We all know now even the angles are smiling and getting a smile with your presents. Best friend I miss you already.
My heart sends a hug, Ralph.
So sorry to hear from Danielle about the loss of her father, Kenny Burdo. I feel succinctly her loss near Thanksgiving as I lost my own father 🔧🧰🔧on Thanksgiving Friday in 2012. Kenny’s spirit will be always with you so set a place for him at your Thanksgiving table with a beer mug🍺 and a toast to remember all the times you had as a family together. Your Dad is your guardian angel, your strong guiding and spiritual force🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯…Psalm 91 is the soldier’s psalm. Being a veteran, he will probably be assigned to guard the gates of heaven as an angel plebe, hopefully, he’ll wear proper angel snivel gear and drink heavenly coffee or hot white chocolate.
Jessica, Danielle, Jackson, and Zach, I was so sad when I heard of your dad’s passing. Marv always enjoyed the times he spent with Kenny. I’m sure he was waiting for him with a fishing pole in one hand and a six-pack in the other. In recent years their time together was much tamer than in their younger years. There were some wild stories that came out of those days. I can still hear them laughing over one escapade or another. He was a good friend. Now they are together for eternity. Mary Evans
Danielle and family,
We are sending prayers to all of you. Losing a parent is never easy, but hoping you get some comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain.
Jim, Judy, and Toni Duhoski
Oh, Kenny,
Such a grand part of my high school years. The laughter, jokes, and constant verbal banter are so precious to me. Ralph and Bill, my condolences in the loss of your larger-than-life buddy. My visit with Ken at our 50th reunion and follow-up of frequent phone calls afterward are now so much more precious. My deep appreciation to you all for the fabulous memories you have to sustain this huge gap in your lives. Thank you Kenny for all the joy and eternal optimism.
Jody
RIP Godfather. My mother Jeanette Cherry Galbraith was close to you as cousins. Now you are together once again in heaven with our Lord.
Sorry for your loss, Ken was always a friend, I will miss his smile and sense of humor. RIP Ken. Prayers for the family.
Rest In Peace my Union Brother.
When your dad came to Wyoming to visit Jackson & Bryan, we took a short weekend trip to Thermopolis. He was great fun on the drive, we soaked in Hot Springs. Our best memory of the day was dinner at Safari Club, lots of mounted animal heads from all over the world adorned the walls. Kenny made a comment he’d rather see live animals. Just then, a mule deer stood right in front of the window by our table, licking the bird feeder. It tickled us all to see him get his wish. May he Rest In Peace & your great experiences & memories see your family through.
With love, Joni Banta
Danielle, and family. May our Lord bless him, and keep him in peace. Eternal rest grant upon him, let perpetual light shine upon him. My memory of Kenny will always be in my heart. Trapping, fishing for splake. Precious conversations with Ken, and Jackie, around the kitchen table. Dick, Becky Shavinski
RIP KEN, I always remember that face lit up with a big smile ready to welcome everyone. Prayers to the family.