John G. Burchard

John "Jack" G. Burchard was born April 30, 1924, Chicago, IL. and passed into eternal life on July 5th, 2009 at the Bay Pines VA Hospice in Bay Pines, FL. Jack was the son of John F. Burchard and Mary C. Reilley Burchard of Des Plaines, IL. Jack is survived by his wife Mary Cucchiaria Sciabarrasi Burchard of Pinellas Park, FL., his brother Tom of Arlington Heights, IL, and his sister Mary Lou Burdt of Los Angeles, CA. He was the Great Grandfather of 14, and the Grandfather of 31. He was married to Dorothy Altstatt Burchard in 1945, they were divorced in 1990. Jack is survived by his 10 children: Jack, Okanagon, WA. and Peg Brock; Mark, New York, NY and Karl Bathman; Matthew, Lewiston, ID and Carol Peterson; Luke, Evans, GA and Pamela Thomann; Dorothy Dexl, Des Plaines, IL and Dan Dexl; Peter, Evans, GA and Denise Pultorak; Paul, Chicago, IL and Lisa Durack; Peggy Manning, Yuma, AZ; Jim, Cary, IL and Lynn Zarnek; Katy Klages, Elk Grove, IL and Bob Klages. Dad took the greatest pleasure and pride in his children, grand children and great-grand children. Dad was preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Mary C. and his infant grandson Marten Luke Manning. Jack graduated from St. Mary's Grade School, Des Plaines, IL. in 1937 and Maine Township High School, Park Ridge, IL in 1941. He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII, 1943-1946 as an Aerial Engineer and Instructor. Jack was one of the owners and operators of Burchard's Service Cleaners in Des Plaines, IL for 40 years. Dad was a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Des Plaines, IL for over 25 years. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, Elks, Moose and Lions Clubs. We called him "Ace". Dad was an avid fan of all Chicago sports teams except the White Sox. Dad excelled in sports himself and was an accomplished "hustler" in the Big Three: Golf, Horseracing and Cards. Dad was a wonderful wit and an amazing story teller. He first learned of his terminal condition during this years U.S. Open Golf Tournament and his immediate reaction was, "you think that's bad, Tiger shot 4 over par today". When Dad's home health care provider, Becky, confirmed his condition, Dad quipped, "have you heard the one about the plumber? Dad's last days were filled with blessings. His dear wife Mary provided constant vigil and comfort. His 10 children gathered at his bedside and shared many hours of laughter, tears, prayers and song. We will never forget the dignity, honor and care the VA Hospice provided to Dad and the family in his last days. The Bay Pines VA Hospice staff showered us all with care and concern. They walked with dad and all the family through his illness and death. Dad wanted us to express special thanks to the Bay Pines VA Hospice and to his healthcare providers: Becky McAllister, Sharon Svabek and the countless others. Dad died with the firm belief that his heavenly Father was waiting with open arms to share eternal life with him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent, payable to VAHCS Bay Pines and sent to Bay Pines VAHCS, Hospice Unit, Ward 5C, P.O. Box 5005, Bay Pines, FL 33744. For further information contact Peter Burchard at 706-691-7494.