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.