Obituary of Eli Burkhart

Burkhart, Eli ~ April 20, 1925 - January 7, 2013 ~ Eli exchanged his walk of faith for life in the presence of his Lord on Monday, January 7, 2013 after a brief illness. The beloved husband, constant companion and best friend of Ruth (Weaver) for over 61 years. Also survived by sons Dan (Suzanne), Graham (Laurie) and Dwayne (Beth). The much loved grandpa of Sherry (Mike) Wilson, Jeremy (Crystal) Burkhart, Rachel (Mike) Braniff, Adam Burkhart, Adam Negus, Jennifer (Tony) Macgillivray, Bethany Burkhart, Joel Burkhart and Jesse Burkhart. He was also much loved by, and greatly enjoyed, his great-grandchildren Breanne, Eric, Nathan, Joshua, Savannah, Alec, Ella, Jack, Nolan and Evan. Survived by his twin brother Elmer, older brother Orvie (Naomi) and younger brother Walter (Grace), sisters-in-law Diane Burkhart, Reta (Frank) Weber and Stella Weaver. Lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents, sister Venerva (David) Martin, brothers Amasa and Lorne, brothers-in-law Withrow, Roy and Ira Weaver, sisters-in-law Mary Burkhart, Irene (Al) Martin and Ruby Weaver. Eli was known by many as a fine craftsman and a dedicated employee. Eli and Ruth built their home together where they lived for over 60 years. He enjoyed 22 years of retirement after he left Fairway Lumber. Eli also served as a cheerful volunteer at Emmanuel Evangelical Missionary Church in Elmira including the Sixty Plus Fellowship. Eli was a volunteer firefighter with the Floradale Fire Department from its inception in 1953, serving almost 25 years. Eli’s family will receive their relatives and friends at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira on Thursday, January 10th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and on Friday, January 11th from 2-5 p.m. only. Interment will take place at Floradale Mennonite Cemetery on Saturday, January 12th at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Missionary Church, Elmira. In Eli’s memory, donations to Emmanuel Evangelical Missionary Church Building Fund or St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Service Summary Visitation: Thursday, January 10th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and on Friday, January 11th from 2-5 p.m. (only) at the funeral home ~ Interment & Memorial Service: Floradale Mennonite Cemetery on Saturday, January 12th at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Missionary Church (2 First St. W., Elmira) ~ Donations: Emmanuel Evangelical Missionary Church Building Fund (2 First St. W., Elmira, ON N3B 1G2) or St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation (911 Queen's Boulevard, Kitchener, Ontario Canada N2M 1B2 Telephone: (519) 744-3311)