Stanley Herbert Burkman

STANLEY HERBERT BURKMAN Oct. 11, 1947 – September 28, 2017    Stanley Herbert Burkman, age 69, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly a lifelong Menahga, MN area resident, peacefully passed into eternity on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at the VA Medical Center in Fargo, ND.    Stanley was born on October 11, 1947 in Park Rapids to Herbert and Gladys (Parvi) Burkman. He attended country school near his parent’s farm through the 6th grade before going on to attend high school in Menahga where he graduated with the Class of 1965. After high school, Stan ventured to Minneapolis where he gained employment with the Honeywell Corporation. He entered the United States Army in 1967, and proudly served his country in the Viet Nam War, receiving his honorable discharge in 1969. He returned to Minnesota and resumed his young career with Honeywell. On July 31, 1971, Stanley was united in marriage to Pat JoAnn Saukko. Their marriage was blessed with two sons: Chad and Peyton. Stanley attended the Wadena Vocational-Technical College from 1971-1973 where he studied accounting and plumbing. From 1977-1980 he worked for Mark’s Sand & Gravel of Fergus Falls, MN. From 1980-1988, he managed the Menahga VFW and coached their baseball team as well. Stan loved baseball and played First base for many years for the Midway Snurdbirds. He also enjoyed coaching the sport and giving young players, as he did his own sons, the skills to be successful players. His love for the sport included being a loyal fan to the Minnesota Twins. Stan also enjoyed the great outdoors; especially when he could be out hunting or fishing with his sons, other family or friends. Stan was a gifted artist and enjoyed sketching. He was a lifetime member of the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post 6206 in Menahga. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Organization of Park Rapids. As a young soldier in Viet Nam, Stan had been exposed to high levels of Agent Orange numerous times, which greatly impacted his health these past 19 years and subsequently caused his untimely death.    He will lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 46 years, Pat Burkman of Park Rapids; his two sons: Chad (Stephanie) Burkman of Perham and Peyton (Tina) Burkman of Park Rapids; his eight precious grandchildren: Benjamin, Morgan, Brock, Isabella, Vivian, Tristan, Madalyn and Joseph; six sisters: Sandra Shepersky of Menahga, Kathy (Glen) Shepersky of Hubbard, Lori (Scott) Sagedahl, Jane (Brad) Lusti and Judy (Carl) Peterson all of Menahga, and Gina (Jon) Halter of Ramsey, MN; five brothers: Steven (Rosemary) Burkman of Grantsburg, WI, Brian (Val) Burkman of Menahga, Randy (Jean) Burkman of Winthrop, Harv (Peggy) Burkman and Michael (Lyla) Burkman all of Menahga; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.    He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Frank and Curtis.