Michael Burkholder

Burkholder – Michael Earl Burkholder, age 68, passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020. He  was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Ruth Burkholder; in-laws, Carl and Lorraine Meyerholtz; sisters-in-law, Patricia Burkholder, Patricia Fricke, Diana Meyerholtz, Deborah Meyerholtz; brothers in-law, Michael Jollands, Timothy Meyerholtz, Richard Meyerholtz, Paul Meyerholtz, and David  Meyerholtz. Mike is survived by his wife of 37 years, Donna Burkholder; daughter,  Melissa Burkholder-White, son-in-law Cory White (Chicago, IL), and daughter Katherine Burkholder (Rockford, MI); grand dog, Barry Sanders White;  brothers, Pat & Cheri Burkholder, Donald & Karen Burkholder, James & Sara Burkholder, John  Burkholder, Charles Burkholder; sisters, Brenda & Tom Zerance, Terese & Phil Vargaz, Julie  & Tommy Jones, Peggy & Ken Eden, Mary Kukla, Peggy & Bob Rasch; in-laws, Ron & Sue Meyerholtz, Peter Meyerholtz, Laurie Meyerholtz, Beth & Don Lewis, Mark & Diane Meyerholtz; several nieces and nephews; and very special grandkids Ryan, Mason, Zoey, and Sierra Meyerholtz. Mike was fervent in his faith, Michigan football, and playing golf. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family.   His family will remember him for his contagious laugh, gracious and charitable heart, unconditional love, and strong work ethic. You could always find Mike spending time with the love of his life, Donna; best friends, Ron and Ann Nicewander & Hal and Sharon VanderVoord; with a drink in hands; and watching Michigan football. Mike enjoyed travelling and reading a good book. After 50 years in the hardwood lumber business, he recently retired to do more of the things he truly enjoyed. Many of his closest friends, he met through the Moose International organization, where he served as Governor of the Sparta, MI Lodge, and Past President of the Moose Legion of Michigan. Mike’s love for giving back and service to the community will continue to live on through his family.

Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, December 10, 2020 at St Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids. Mike’s family will greet relatives and friends one hour before the mass at the church.