Donald Burghardt

Donald A. Burghardt, age 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh. He was born August 10, 1935, in Milwaukee, WI, son of the late Walter and Gertrude (Erbe) Burghardt.

Don married Dorothy McClellan on November 16, 1957, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, in Wauwatosa, WI. Together they celebrated 65 years of marriage before her passing in 2023. They were blessed with six children, eleven grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Don served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a graduate of MSOE and worked for many years in data processing and computer programming before starting his own business in that field. Don and Dorothy enjoyed their cottage on Lake Winneconne, and traveling the Gulf Coast and throughout Texas pulling their fifth-wheel camper and making many dear friends along the way. Don enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and adoring his dogs. He was a long-time member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Neenah, where he served as treasurer for many years and developed many close friendships.  

Don will be deeply missed by his children: Dale (Deb) Burghardt, Dann (Laurie) Burghardt, Debbie (Terry) Birkholz, Donna Penterman; grandchildren: Melissa (Mack) Butzen, Josh Burghardt, Krysta (Ryan) Ruegsegger, Christina and Olivia Burghardt, Nicole (Caitlin), Jason (Becca), and Logan Birkholz, Sarah (Michael) Menard, Emily and Jonathan (Emily) Penterman; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Zeke Menard, Parker and Ruby Ruegsegger and Blake and Owen Butzen. He is further survived by his siblings: JoAnn Lindquist, Shirley Groeschel, and Doug (Laurie) Burghardt; in-laws: Jerry (Linda) McClellan; Karen McClellan; Carol McClellan; and many nieces; nephews and other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by infant twin daughters: Mary and Ann; his in-laws, W. Joseph and Erna (Graebel) McClellan; three brothers: Bruce (Joyce) Burghardt, Russ (Joan) Burghardt; and Ronald Burghardt; sister, Marion Burghardt; and in-laws: Pat (Ed) Cowles; Charlotte (Jack) Harrison; Bob and Don McClellan; and Stan Lindquist.

The funeral service for Don will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 31,2026 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 140 S. Green Bay Road, Neenah, WI 54956 with Rev. Dr. Niveen Sarras officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Evergreen Retirement Community, and Aurora Hospice, for the loving care and kindness shown to Don and his Family.