Obituaries

John Edward Burghart, 65, of Topeka, died June 3, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Topeka, Kansas on December 31, 1946 the son of George John and Margaret Mary (Hartman) Burghart.
John served in the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam era. He worked as a Shawnee County Deputy for 25 years and retired on March 15, 1997.
He was a former member of the Eagle’s Lodge, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. John was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #2608, and the American Legion.
John will be most remembered for spoiling his grandchildren, fishing, camping and loved his dogs, Baby and Molly.
He married Nancy Jo Artzer at St. Joseph Catholic Church on January 25, 1969. She survives. He is survived by five children, Sherry Johnson of Topeka, Brenda (Dana Hall) Burghart of Topeka, Robert (Jani) Burghart of Lawrence, Jennifer Burghart of Topeka, John (Rhonda) Burghart of Topeka, eight siblings, Patricia Taylor of K.C., Mo., Ginny Trygg of Topeka, Rita Greene of Florida, Linda Gilchrist of Topeka, Marilyn McLaughlin of K.C., Mo., George Burghart of Valley Falls, Rick Burghart of Topeka and Christine Gassen of Topeka. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jordan, Devin, Baylie, Alex, Makenna, Zach, Gunther, Joseph, Andrew and Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Theresa Griffiths.
John will lie in state at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday after 4:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be at 6:00 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Council #2608 Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be provided by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the V.F.W. and an honor guard will be provided by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph/Sacred Heart Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.
Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.