Betty Joalyce Burkard

Betty Joalyce Burkard, 87, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Betty was born on January 16, 1938, in New Bremen, Ohio, to Omer and Dora Tangeman. She graduated from New Bremen High School in 1956 and attended Miami University for a short time afterward. On July 14, 1957, she married the love of her life, Harry Karl Burkard, Jr. with whom she shared a devoted and joyful partnership spanning over six decades. Betty dedicated her life to her family and her expansive network of friends. Always warm and personable, she never knew a stranger. Betty was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church, providing a lively spirit to the congregation. A talented baker, Betty found great joy in making food with family and friends. Her baked goods were always present for holidays and birthdays, and several won prizes at the county fair. Betty was also an avid sewer and created many Halloween costumes, Christmas presents, and annual ornaments over the years, all of them made with great care and love. She enjoyed yearly trips to Florida during the winter months and summers at the family cottage in Reading, Michigan, where she forged lifelong friendships and created countless memories. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, and her parents, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Robert Dicke; sister-in-law, Marjorie Burkard Kachelries; and son-in-law, Eric Knoch. She is survived by her children: Bradley Jay Burkard (Jill) of Wapakoneta, Brenda Jane Halker of Wapakoneta, Harry Bruce Burkard (Sherri) in Michigan, Mary Vorhees (Michael) of Wapakoneta, Beth Alyce Knoch of Loveland, Brian John Burkard (Stacie) of New Bremen, and Barbara Ann Burkard of Wapakoneta; as well as thirteen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren who brought her immense pride and joy. Visitation will be held at Salem United Methodist Church in Wapakoneta from 10:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday, November 19, with a funeral service and lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Salem United Methodist Church are appreciated. Betty’s legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will live on. May her memory be a blessing to her family and all who loved her. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, Wapakoneta.

Betty Joalyce Burkard

January 16, 1938 - November 13, 2025