Mary E. Burkhardt

Mary Elizabeth Burkhardt, age 95, passed away on October 20, 2026, at her home in Mishawaka with her family by her side. Mary was born November 29, 1930, in Loyal, Wisconsin to the late George and Leona (Schweiger) Bentzler. On November 11, 1970, she married Myron “Burkie” Burkhardt and together they celebrated over 50 years of marriage before his death in May of 2021.

She is survived by her children, Karen Grove of Mishawaka, Robert (Debbie) Cox of Franklin, Ohio, step children Charles (Becky) Cox, and Christine Michaels along with 6 grandchildren; Christopher (Kayla) Grove, Jennifer (Paul) VanAntwerp, Amanda (Kyle) Hernandez, Sherrie (Johnny) Cox, Heather (Andy) Frank and Jeremy (Jessica) Bailey, thirteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Surviving as well are her siblings, Kenneth Bentzler, Raymond Bentzler, Edward Bentzler, Leona Aumann, Kathleen Frobe, Darlene Lash and Janet Bentzler. She was preceded in death by her sons James Crimaldi and Gary Crimaldi, her grandson, Richard Lee Williams and her siblings, Donald Bentzler, George Bentzler, Garland “Harry” Bentzler, LaVerne “Bud” Bentzler, Judd Bentzler, Jerome Bentzler, and Virginia Grutzik.

A private service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery Mausoleum on Wednesday October 28 at 11:00AM and then Mary will be laid to rest beside “Burkie” in the Field of Honor Garden on the grounds of Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with her care.

Mary was a homemaker and loved her family most of all. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with her great grandchildren supporting them in all of their activities. She enjoyed traveling with her family and especially loved the beauty of Las Vegas, Nevada, where she and Burkie spent their retirement years.

In her younger years, Mary enjoyed bowling in leagues and later loved playing cards, especially pinochle. She also enjoyed trying her luck at the casinos. Mary was an excellent cook and wonderful baker, and her family and friends looked forward to her homemade peanut butter balls every Christmas. She was social and outgoing and never met a stranger. Mary was a friend to all and will be remembered for the love she had for her family and the many memories she shared with those around her.

Mary’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka for the care and support they provided to Mary and her family. A special thank you to Anne, Arieona, and the staff at Ernestine Raclin Hospice House for the kindness and care they showed Mary during her time there.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice through their secure online donations page at Center For Hospice Care. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Mary’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook Tab above.

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