Born Jan. 27, 1939 to Harry and Hilda Burkhardt he was a lifelong Vale resident, farmer and rancher. Prior to retirement he was also a custodial supervisor for the Vale School District for 12 years.
In his earlier years Don attended Vale schools and graduated from Vale High School in 1957. He further attended the College of Idaho and then graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Animal Science before returning to the farm for the remainder of his life. Don also did his patriotic duty with the Air National Guard.
In 1966 Don married Charlene Boles and they were proud to have recently reached their 50th anniversary. They had one son, Jeffrey (Diana) and two loving grandchildren, Derek (fiancé Megan) and Alisa. He is also survived by his sister Lois (Jim) Huffman of Ontario.
Don was a highly active member of the Ontario Pilgrim Lutheran Church. A deeply religious man who was past president of the congregation as well a past and present elder for many years. He further served on the Vale Rural Fire Dept. Board and Vale School Board for years.
Don was a deep supporter of both 4H and FFA which further encouraged his son and grandchildren to do the same. He was very proud of their accomplishments and those of all future farmers. He will be very much missed by his family and community.
A viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13th at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Ontario. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 14th at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Ontario. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Condolences may be made to Don’s family by signing the online guestbook at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.
Memorials can be made in his name to either the Ontario Pilgrim Lutheran Church or the MFCU for improvements to the Malheur County Fair benefiting the 4H/FFA youth program, in care of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.
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