Richard “Dick” Burkhardt, age 89, of Dwight, Illinois passed away peacefully Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Heritage Health Senior Care. Richard was born October 29, 1932, in Gardner, the son of the late Orville and Jennie (Goldie) Burkhardt. Dick proudly served his country with the United States Army from 1949-1953 as a PVT-2. He married the love of his life, Fern, on September 24, 1955. Dick worked for Caterpillar for 35 years before retiring. He was a trained volunteer Fire Fighter in the community. Dick spent many years of his life as a member of the South Wilmington Beach Club, where he enjoyed fishing and camping. Back in the day, Dick dabbled a bit with woodworking in his garage to pass time. There may be a few of you out there today who were lucky enough to receive one of his pieces. Dick enjoyed his DQ runs, especially when his wife, Fern, had a taste for ice cream. It was not uncommon for him to drop everything on a dime to run to grab her a sweet treat. In his later years, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports. Dick was a guy who told it like it was at face value. At sporting events you always knew where he was sitting by his loud voice that carried when he didn’t agree with a call. Quite honestly most people got a kick out of him, but most importantly his family sure did. It wasn’t surprising to walk into his home and hear him screaming at the TV. He was an avid Cubs and Bears fan, but you knew when he was not happy with their performance. He spent countless hours at the local barbershop laughing, and gossiping with all of his buddies. For those of you who knew him, you would likely describe him as a gentle soul. He had a great passion for his family, and the close friends around him. He will be greatly missed by all of those whose lives he touched. Surviving are his son, Thomas (Sandy) Burkhardt of Dwight; his five grandchildren: Amie (Mikey) Graham of Dwight; Angela Baggett of Dwight; Faith (Nick) Lavezzi of Braidwood; Justin (Shelly) Burkhardt of Emington; and Katie (Pete) Stanton of Chicago. Also surviving are 11 great-grandchildren:  Blake and Logan Graham of Dwight; Lennox Baggett of Dwight; Payton (Kellen) Christensen of Effingham; Sydney Christensen of Chicago; Lola Lavezzi of Braidwood; Austin, Lane, and Waylon Burkhardt of Emington; and Owen and Claire Stanton of Chicago. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Shirley Burkhardt of Joliet; several nieces and nephews; and a lifelong friend, Bill Wilkey. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years, Fern Burkhardt; daughter, Connie Burkhardt; two brothers, William Burkhardt and James Burkhardt; and four sisters: Dian Burkhardt, Aileen (Harold) Gentry, Patricia (John) Landers and Helen (Lyle) Christensen; and best friend, Sam Edwards. Dick has entered the pearly gates to be with his wife of 65 years; his daughter, Connie; and many of his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to St. Jude’s, VFW, or any charity of the donor’s choice. A private service for family and close friends will be planned for a later date. Arrangements are by Hager Memorial Home in Dwight, Illinois. The family would like to thank Heritage Health in Dwight for the care he received during his short stay.