Lynne Barker Burkhardt

Lynne Barker Burkhardt, 86, passed away on February 25, 2026, at her home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

She was born on March 17th, 1939, to Gertrude and Davis Barker of Denver, Colorado. Lynne grew up in Arlington, Virginia and Oak Park, Illinois where she graduated from Oak Park High School. Upon Graduation, she attended Stevens College (Missouri) and began a modeling career and was one of the original Toni Twins.

On September 6, 1958, she married Lawrence W. Burkhardt in River Forest and then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and subsequently lived in Oak Park and Wilmette, Illinois and ultimately Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin for over 38 years.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years Larry, her son Keith Burkhardt (spouse Mimi), daughter Ashley Duva (spouse Mark); grandsons, David Burkhardt, Richard Burkhardt (spouse Brittany) and John Burkhardt (spouse Cora), granddaughter Juliette Duva and great granddaughters, Vivienne and Mary Scott Burkhardt.

Lynne excelled as Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and was most happy when surrounded by family at holidays or on vacations. She was known for her fabulous sense of style, her delicious homemade egg and tuna salad lunches enjoyed on their boats over the years, and for whipping up some fun cocktails for family and friends. Lynne enjoyed winters at their Phoenix, Arizona home and traditional Door County summers with family and friends. From dining around the Door, to special moments on their Door County home deck enjoying a cheese plate during the summer evenings, to vacations in Mexico, Barbados and most recently Jamaica, Lynne loved living life to the fullest every day.

In her early adult years, she worked with various philanthropies including Junior League and the American Cancer Society and later the Door County charity Altrusa. Lynne enjoyed having fun evenings out and attending charity galas and events, as she had an easy-going approachable nature about her that was very welcoming to family, friends or making a new acquaintance feel comfortable at her home.

A mass in her honor is scheduled at The Church of St Agnes by-the-Lake Episcopal Church (806 Fourth St. Algoma, WI 54201) at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 7th, 2026. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Agnes Episcopal Church or the Alzheimer's Association in her memory would be welcomed. Forbes Funeral Home & Cremations is serving the family.