Dr.
Dr. Kenley F. Burkhart
Dr. Kenley Burkhart passed away, Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Plainwell Pines.
Ken was born June 28, 1936 in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Forrest and Ruth Burkhart. He attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. Ken worked as a medical doctor and surgeon in Indiana, Nicaragua and Berrien Springs until the late 1970’s when he began working at Pipp Community Hospital in Plainwell where he served for many years until his retirement in 2011.
He was one of the first surgeons to perform laparoscopy surgeries and laparoscopic assisted hysterectomies. Ken was a gifted musician and enjoyed singing tenor in the Bach Festival Choir in Kalamazoo. He also enjoyed playing the piano, cello and many stringed instruments.
In his free time Ken liked cross country skiing, sailing, photography, film making and in retirement enjoyed making jewelry. On December 31, 1985 he married Dianne Strong (nee: Dommert) who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Holly (J. Drew) Fitzgerald of WI and Neil (Sylvia) Burkhart of AZ; grandchildren, Liam and Jacob Fitzgerald; step-children, Eric (Gretta) Strong of IL, Julie (Isaach) De Bankole of NY and Sarah (Andy Blake) Strong of Holland; step-grandchildren, Maureen, Tarryn, Imani, Megan and Brandon and siblings, Geri Burkhart, Cynthia Curtis, Gloria Nero and Daniel Burkhart.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sharon.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
A private family service will take place.
Contributions in memory of Ken may be made to Christian Neighbors.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Dr. Kenley F. Burkhart
Condolence Messages
Mrs. Jim Hewitt. (Patti Khodl-former nurse at Pipp)
July 31, 2023 at 9:52 pm
To Dianne and family,
Sometimes I wish that everyone understood grief. To really understand you have to experience the death of someone you love. That I really wish is that I didn’t understand either, Grief and grieving is exhausting. Be kind to yourself. Dr. Burkhart was an excellent surgeon! Kind, gentle, he had a soft spot for people. We loved him! Our hearts are broken.
Reply
Teresa VanLent
July 31, 2023 at 10:06 pm
I am so sorry to hear this Dianne, I just really loved having him for my doctor for many years, he was a great doctor. I’m praying for your heart to heal❤️
Reply
Diane Boysen
July 31, 2023 at 10:23 pm
I am very sorry to hear Dr. Burkhart has passed. He as a fine doctor and surgeon. Dr. Burkhart had a friendly, cheerful attitude and really listened to his patients. The area has lost a trusted and knowledgeable doctor. My sympathies go go his wife, children and grandchildren.
Reply
Amy Slone
July 31, 2023 at 11:48 pm
Dianne so sorry to hear about Ken. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Craig & Lorna Sisson
August 1, 2023 at 12:27 pm
Dear Diane and Ken’s entire family:
We we are soo very sorry to hear of Dr. Burkhart’s passing. What a wonderful Doctor and man Ken was. We will always be thankful to him for saving our Sarah’s life. It was he who told us he wanted do exploratory surgery after Sarah’s appendix burst. Nothing was showing up in blood tests, etc, to indicate that, but still Dr Burkhart wanted to eliminate all possibilities!! Thank God for him and his expertise. We later got to know him personally and we’re blessed by every meeting. May God flood you with wonderful memories and give you comfort as you deal with such a difficult loss. We will always be grateful and thankful for Ken. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Love, Craig and Lorna
Reply
Cindy kay Radcliffe
August 1, 2023 at 5:21 pm
Dianne and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Ken was a good man; we pray for peace and comfort.
With so much empathy,
Greg and Cindy Radcliffe
Reply
Rita J Howard
August 1, 2023 at 6:40 pm
Dianne, Neil, Holly, and extended family:
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve.
Reply
Hubert and Lynne Winkelbauer
August 1, 2023 at 6:58 pm
We are so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss. With prayers of peace and comfort, Hubert and Lynne Winkelbauer
Reply
Kathleen Snyder Fisher
August 1, 2023 at 8:15 pm
Dianne and family,
So very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle man. I worked with him at Pipp and knew him as a friend along with Dianne. My heart breaks for you. Hold on to the memories.
Love,
Kathi (Snyder) Fisher
Reply
Sylvia Burkhart
August 1, 2023 at 9:26 pm
Dianne, Holly and my Husband Neil, my deepest condolences to you all at the passing of your husband and father. Although we didn’t spend much time with Ken, I know that he helped raise a son who is full of love, integrity, honor and strength. If Neil is an expression of what Ken brought to the world, then I know that world is not the same with the loss of such a wonderful man. Ken your son was very proud of you and your many accomplishments, the experiences you brought into his life made him the man he is today. The mission to Nicaragua is on the top of that list, the many times you took him downhill and cross country skiing , as well as introducing him to flying , building and flying model airplanes, model rocketry, hiking, sailing and basically all things outdoor. Thank you for being a loving father, as this trait was also handed down to your son. Rest in Paradise Ken, until we all meet again.. God bless you …Dianne, always know we are here for you!
With Love,
Sylvia Burkhart and Kennedy (son)
Reply
Cheryl Taylor
August 2, 2023 at 8:42 am
Dianne, I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing.
I pray for God’s peace and comfort for you and your family in these following days.
Reply
Maryln Langeance
August 2, 2023 at 9:43 am
Dianne….Sorry for your loss. My prayers and sympathy to you and the family.
Reply
Joyce McClellan
August 2, 2023 at 9:31 pm
Thinking of you Dianne and your loved ones at this difficult time. Cherish your precious memories always. Joyce & Dan McClellan
Reply
Larry and Bonnie
August 2, 2023 at 10:19 pm
Dianne, so sorry for your loss please accept our sincere condolences. Take time to grieve God’s peace for the whole family.
Reply
Marty and Tom Meert
August 2, 2023 at 10:32 pm
Dianne our deepest sympathy for your family. Our prayers are with you.
Reply
Barb Hays McAdams
August 2, 2023 at 11:13 pm
Dianne and family,
I am keeping you all in my prayers and send my sincere condolences at this time.
I was lucky enough to work with Dr. Burkhart at Pipp Community Hospital and also benefit from his surgical excellence after I returned from having emergency GI surgery in Paris. Pipp and the Plainwell/ Otsego community were very fortunate to have such a kind, compassionate and highly skilled surgeon in Dr.Burkhart.
I personally, will always be grateful for all that he taught me as a RN and the wonderful care he provided me as a patient. God bless you all during this time.
Barb Hays McAdams
Reply
Drew Fitzgerald
August 3, 2023 at 6:13 pm
Ken was always the epitome of intelligence, compassion, composure, and class.
His calm and confident nature was due to a well-learned life full of achievements, and not only in his field of medicine. Never a man to boast, but a man to find profound joy in continually learning and improving on his own capabilities (true intelligence).
Ken,
Thank you for my first sailboat “excursion”.
Thank you for sharing the arias, concertos, and red wine.
Thank you for sitting at the piano with both of my sons late into the night.
Thank you for welcoming me into your family and being my father-in-law.
Thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter that I am lucky enough to call my wife, Holly.
Ken is forever missed and eternally loved.
Gratefully,
Drew Fitzgerald
Reply
Sherri Bronson
August 4, 2023 at 10:01 am
Dianne and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many people and I pray you find comfort in that fact.
Sherri Bronson
Reply
Jeanne E KILLICK
August 6, 2023 at 11:02 am
Dear Diane and family
So sad to see that you have lost your Lifetime partner. May you find comfort and joyful memories with your family and friends. Kenley will live on in all of your hearts ♥️.
Jeannie (Brown) Killick
Classmate OHS 1963
Reply
Debbie Leep
August 9, 2023 at 3:16 pm
Dianne, you have my sympathy and love as you grieve the passing of your beloved husband. I had the privilege of working with him at Pipp and then after his retirement at Borgess Occ. health. He was such a kind, compassionate Doctor both to his nurses and patients, very well respected and loved. He left many wonderful memories and made a huge impact on many!
hugs to you
Reply
Linda M Benwire
August 15, 2023 at 11:43 pm
Dianne, I’m so sorry to hear about Ken’s death. I was blessed to work at Pipp where he was an excellent doctor. He was also my surgeon for 2 or 3 surgeries. He was always willing to listen and was a very kind and gentle man. May you receive peace and comfort in the time ahead.
Linda (Davis) Benwire
Reply
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Ken was born June 28, 1936 in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Forrest and Ruth Burkhart. He attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. Ken worked as a medical doctor and surgeon in Indiana, Nicaragua and Berrien Springs until the late 1970’s when he began working at Pipp Community Hospital in Plainwell where he served for many years until his retirement in 2011.
He was one of the first surgeons to perform laparoscopy surgeries and laparoscopic assisted hysterectomies. Ken was a gifted musician and enjoyed singing tenor in the Bach Festival Choir in Kalamazoo. He also enjoyed playing the piano, cello and many stringed instruments.
In his free time Ken liked cross country skiing, sailing, photography, film making and in retirement enjoyed making jewelry. On December 31, 1985 he married Dianne Strong (nee: Dommert) who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Holly (J. Drew) Fitzgerald of WI and Neil (Sylvia) Burkhart of AZ; grandchildren, Liam and Jacob Fitzgerald; step-children, Eric (Gretta) Strong of IL, Julie (Isaach) De Bankole of NY and Sarah (Andy Blake) Strong of Holland; step-grandchildren, Maureen, Tarryn, Imani, Megan and Brandon and siblings, Geri Burkhart, Cynthia Curtis, Gloria Nero and Daniel Burkhart.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sharon.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
A private family service will take place.
Contributions in memory of Ken may be made to Christian Neighbors.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Dr. Kenley F. Burkhart
Condolence Messages
Mrs. Jim Hewitt. (Patti Khodl-former nurse at Pipp)
July 31, 2023 at 9:52 pm
To Dianne and family,
Sometimes I wish that everyone understood grief. To really understand you have to experience the death of someone you love. That I really wish is that I didn’t understand either, Grief and grieving is exhausting. Be kind to yourself. Dr. Burkhart was an excellent surgeon! Kind, gentle, he had a soft spot for people. We loved him! Our hearts are broken.
Reply
Teresa VanLent
July 31, 2023 at 10:06 pm
I am so sorry to hear this Dianne, I just really loved having him for my doctor for many years, he was a great doctor. I’m praying for your heart to heal❤️
Reply
Diane Boysen
July 31, 2023 at 10:23 pm
I am very sorry to hear Dr. Burkhart has passed. He as a fine doctor and surgeon. Dr. Burkhart had a friendly, cheerful attitude and really listened to his patients. The area has lost a trusted and knowledgeable doctor. My sympathies go go his wife, children and grandchildren.
Reply
Amy Slone
July 31, 2023 at 11:48 pm
Dianne so sorry to hear about Ken. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Craig & Lorna Sisson
August 1, 2023 at 12:27 pm
Dear Diane and Ken’s entire family:
We we are soo very sorry to hear of Dr. Burkhart’s passing. What a wonderful Doctor and man Ken was. We will always be thankful to him for saving our Sarah’s life. It was he who told us he wanted do exploratory surgery after Sarah’s appendix burst. Nothing was showing up in blood tests, etc, to indicate that, but still Dr Burkhart wanted to eliminate all possibilities!! Thank God for him and his expertise. We later got to know him personally and we’re blessed by every meeting. May God flood you with wonderful memories and give you comfort as you deal with such a difficult loss. We will always be grateful and thankful for Ken. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Love, Craig and Lorna
Reply
Cindy kay Radcliffe
August 1, 2023 at 5:21 pm
Dianne and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Ken was a good man; we pray for peace and comfort.
With so much empathy,
Greg and Cindy Radcliffe
Reply
Rita J Howard
August 1, 2023 at 6:40 pm
Dianne, Neil, Holly, and extended family:
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve.
Reply
Hubert and Lynne Winkelbauer
August 1, 2023 at 6:58 pm
We are so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss. With prayers of peace and comfort, Hubert and Lynne Winkelbauer
Reply
Kathleen Snyder Fisher
August 1, 2023 at 8:15 pm
Dianne and family,
So very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle man. I worked with him at Pipp and knew him as a friend along with Dianne. My heart breaks for you. Hold on to the memories.
Love,
Kathi (Snyder) Fisher
Reply
Sylvia Burkhart
August 1, 2023 at 9:26 pm
Dianne, Holly and my Husband Neil, my deepest condolences to you all at the passing of your husband and father. Although we didn’t spend much time with Ken, I know that he helped raise a son who is full of love, integrity, honor and strength. If Neil is an expression of what Ken brought to the world, then I know that world is not the same with the loss of such a wonderful man. Ken your son was very proud of you and your many accomplishments, the experiences you brought into his life made him the man he is today. The mission to Nicaragua is on the top of that list, the many times you took him downhill and cross country skiing , as well as introducing him to flying , building and flying model airplanes, model rocketry, hiking, sailing and basically all things outdoor. Thank you for being a loving father, as this trait was also handed down to your son. Rest in Paradise Ken, until we all meet again.. God bless you …Dianne, always know we are here for you!
With Love,
Sylvia Burkhart and Kennedy (son)
Reply
Cheryl Taylor
August 2, 2023 at 8:42 am
Dianne, I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing.
I pray for God’s peace and comfort for you and your family in these following days.
Reply
Maryln Langeance
August 2, 2023 at 9:43 am
Dianne….Sorry for your loss. My prayers and sympathy to you and the family.
Reply
Joyce McClellan
August 2, 2023 at 9:31 pm
Thinking of you Dianne and your loved ones at this difficult time. Cherish your precious memories always. Joyce & Dan McClellan
Reply
Larry and Bonnie
August 2, 2023 at 10:19 pm
Dianne, so sorry for your loss please accept our sincere condolences. Take time to grieve God’s peace for the whole family.
Reply
Marty and Tom Meert
August 2, 2023 at 10:32 pm
Dianne our deepest sympathy for your family. Our prayers are with you.
Reply
Barb Hays McAdams
August 2, 2023 at 11:13 pm
Dianne and family,
I am keeping you all in my prayers and send my sincere condolences at this time.
I was lucky enough to work with Dr. Burkhart at Pipp Community Hospital and also benefit from his surgical excellence after I returned from having emergency GI surgery in Paris. Pipp and the Plainwell/ Otsego community were very fortunate to have such a kind, compassionate and highly skilled surgeon in Dr.Burkhart.
I personally, will always be grateful for all that he taught me as a RN and the wonderful care he provided me as a patient. God bless you all during this time.
Barb Hays McAdams
Reply
Drew Fitzgerald
August 3, 2023 at 6:13 pm
Ken was always the epitome of intelligence, compassion, composure, and class.
His calm and confident nature was due to a well-learned life full of achievements, and not only in his field of medicine. Never a man to boast, but a man to find profound joy in continually learning and improving on his own capabilities (true intelligence).
Ken,
Thank you for my first sailboat “excursion”.
Thank you for sharing the arias, concertos, and red wine.
Thank you for sitting at the piano with both of my sons late into the night.
Thank you for welcoming me into your family and being my father-in-law.
Thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter that I am lucky enough to call my wife, Holly.
Ken is forever missed and eternally loved.
Gratefully,
Drew Fitzgerald
Reply
Sherri Bronson
August 4, 2023 at 10:01 am
Dianne and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many people and I pray you find comfort in that fact.
Sherri Bronson
Reply
Jeanne E KILLICK
August 6, 2023 at 11:02 am
Dear Diane and family
So sad to see that you have lost your Lifetime partner. May you find comfort and joyful memories with your family and friends. Kenley will live on in all of your hearts ♥️.
Jeannie (Brown) Killick
Classmate OHS 1963
Reply
Debbie Leep
August 9, 2023 at 3:16 pm
Dianne, you have my sympathy and love as you grieve the passing of your beloved husband. I had the privilege of working with him at Pipp and then after his retirement at Borgess Occ. health. He was such a kind, compassionate Doctor both to his nurses and patients, very well respected and loved. He left many wonderful memories and made a huge impact on many!
hugs to you
Reply
Linda M Benwire
August 15, 2023 at 11:43 pm
Dianne, I’m so sorry to hear about Ken’s death. I was blessed to work at Pipp where he was an excellent doctor. He was also my surgeon for 2 or 3 surgeries. He was always willing to listen and was a very kind and gentle man. May you receive peace and comfort in the time ahead.
Linda (Davis) Benwire
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
Share This Obituary
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