Gerald Joseph Burkel,85

Gerald Joseph Burkel, son of Peter and Lillian (Halberg) Burkel was born July 2,1939 in Greenbush, MN. Gerald grew up and attended Greenbush School and graduated. He served in the Air Force as a medic from November of 1957 to November of 1961. He married Clarice (Waage) April 27th, 1969. To that union 4 children were born Jason, Terry, Noreen, and Kirby.

Gerald worked on the Tri County Rescue squad in Karlstad and helped to start the Ambulance Squad in Greenbush. He also worked at Burkel Grain Service and then began trucking. His final career was Marvin Windows, then retired. Although he and his wife Clarice used to deliver the Grand Forks Herald paper together for several years, they both also worked together at Jeff’s Super Service.

Gerald was a good father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

Gerald is survived by his children Jason Burkel, Terry Burkel, Noreen (Danny) Penas, and Kirby (Karla) Burkel. Brother Jerome (Dee) Burkel, sister Karen Cole, Nancy (Jim) Goslien, sister Brenda (Milt) Arneson. Grandchildren Denton Burkel, Alex Evans, Ben (Alisha) Evans, Courtney Evans, Dain Saagge, Olivia Saagge, Emma Burkel, Tenisha Berger, and Josie Penas. Great Grandchildren Zane and Connor Kazmierczak, Oaklynn, Liv, and Louise Solberg, James, Isaac and Eli Evans.  Also, several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents Pete and Lillian Burkel, and wife Clarice in 2016.

Gerald passed away at LifeCare Greenbush Manor on June 10th, 2025, at the age of 85 years 11 months and 10 days.

The family would like to thank the Roseau Nursing Home and Life Care Greenbush Manor for the excellent care given to our dad.

Funeral services were held at 10:00AM, Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at United Free Lutheran Church in Greenbush with Pastor David Niemela presiding.

Visitation was held after 5PM, Monday, at the church with a prayer service at 7PM.  Visitation was also held one hour prior to services at the church.

Interment services were held following services at Zion Lutheran cemetery of rural Greenbush.

Military honors were accorded by the Greenbush American Legion Post #88 and the Grand Forks AFB Honor Guard.

Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush.

An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com