Carl "Joe" Joseph Burkhart

Carl “Joe” Joseph Burkhart passed away on September 10th, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis with his wife and family by his side. Joe was born to Charles Joseph and Theresa (Hessler) Burkhart on August 8th, 1937 in Greensburg. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Ley and they were married on May 9th, 1959. They were blessed with 5 children, Kathy (Monty) Shields; Michael (Susie) Burkhart; Deanna (John) Fox; Patricia (James) Spaulding; and Regina Treash. He is survived by his sister Luella (Marvin) Feldman, his two brothers Bill (Ethel) Burkhart and Ed (JoAnn) Burkhart, and many nieces and nephews. Joe and Betty have 12 grandchildren; Joshua and Jacob Shields; Garrett and Kate Burkhart; Rachel Walmsley, Gretchen Little; Bradley (Suzanne), Jason and Danielle Fox; James (Claire) Spaulding III; Sara and Anthony Treash; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister; Rosemary Wallpe, brother; Thomas Burkhart, and grandson; Joey Shields. Joe served in the United States Army. He spent the majority of his life as an independent insurance agent. Joe was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he and Betty were a sponsor couple in the pre-marriage program. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of St. John. He was passionate about his involvement in September Place as a board member, serving there from 1978 in various capacities. At the time of his death, he was the Vice President of the Board. Joe’s love of music began with his family band as drummer and singer. He was known by friends and family to sing with his heart at most every gathering. He lived to enjoy his family and friends, to share life and laughter. His most cherished time was dancing with and singing to his true love, Betty. Those who knew Joe will recall his habit of imparting his wisdom to all those around him. His love and his passion for life will always be remembered and greatly missed. He leaves you with his favorite saying, “The truth will set you free”. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 13, 2012 at the Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg with a rosary being prayed at 3:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 14, 2012 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg with Rev. John Meyer and Rev. John Geis officiating. Interment will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Greensburg. Memorials may be made to the Joey Shields Memorial Fund at St. Mary’s Church or the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg.