Edward A. Burkardt

Edward A. Burkardt, 69, Minot, ND, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, in his home.

Edward A. Burkardt was born Nov. 7, 1956, to Edward A. and Joan V. Burkardt. He grew up a military brat and made the most of the places he lived. His folks retired in Pittsburgh, where he finished high school, and earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he joined the US Air Force and was stationed at Minot AFB. He changed career paths from missiles at MAFB to his dream job, flying a variety of aircraft. Ed retired after a 28-year career with the Air Force. After moving back to Minot, he worked at Minot Aero Center for several years as a flight instructor and charter pilot.

His greatest joy, though, was his family. Ed married Pamela Wheeler after a blind date during his Minot assignment, and they truly loved their time together. When their daughters were born, he delighted in keeping them busy. He took them camping, taught them about guns and changing oil, car maintenance and how to keep a house working. Supper conversations were often used for teaching military history. Operation Market Garden and Operation Rolling Thunder were discussed and examined on a regular basis. All the houses he lived in were filled with joy and creative thinking. The family was enlarged many times with "rental" children who were absorbed into family life.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pamela; daughters, Blythe (Paul Notareschi), Caitlyn (Sean Shanahan) and Maren (Thomas Burghardt). He loved his granddaughter, Ailyn Burghardt, and grandson, Bridger Shanahan, to distraction, and was eagerly anticipating one more due in May. He also had brothers, John Burkardt and Fred (Karen) Burkardt, along with a sister, Barbara Conklin; stepmother, Barbara Shepherd; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Edward Burkardt and Joan Vetter; sister, Ann Beyer, and brother, Paul Burkardt.

Memorial Celebration: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Dakota Territory Air Museum, 100 34th Ave NE, Minot. All are welcome to share stories, joy, and tears with us.

Memorials: are preferred to Dakota Territory Air Museum.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to Thompson-Larson Funeral Home's YouTube channel at

https://youtube.com/live/bk6ohgX1TMk?feature=share