Fern Burkhardt, 84, of Dwight, Illinois passed away peacefully at 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Heritage Health in Dwight, Illinois. Fern was born August 22, 1937, the daughter of Odley and Elna (Hahn) Ingram. She married the love of her life, Richard H. Burkhardt, on September 24, 1955, and got to spend 65 amazing years together. Surviving are her husband, Richard of Dwight; one son, Tom (Sandy) Burkhardt of Dwight; five grandchildren: Amie (Mikey) Graham of Dwight; Angela Baggett of Dwight; Justin (Shelly) Burkhardt of Emington; Faith (Nick) Lavezzi of Braidwood; Katie (Pete) Stanton of Chicago. Also surviving are 10 great-grandchildren: Blake and Logan Graham of Dwight; Lennox Baggett of Dwight; Austin, Lane and Waylon Burkhardt of Emington; Sydney Christensen of Braid-wood; Payton (Kellen) Christensen of Effingham; Owen and Claire Stanton of Chicago. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, and her special friends, Pam Wahl and Kathy Bunting. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Connie, who she missed dearly for three years; and five brothers: Kenny, Bob, Donnie, Lee and Ralph. Fern retired from Fox Center after 30-plus years. She had a strong passion for her job and people she worked with and cared for. She was a huge Bears and Cubs fan. She treasured watching all of their games with her husband, who also has a love for the teams. For all who knew them though, it was not surprising to anyone of the hollering back and forth that took place between them during the games. Fern was a kind and all-around great person to know. She loved her family with all her heart, and also adored visits with family and friends. She savored the occasional sweet treat, and cherished it when her granddaughter, Shelly, brought in her mother’s famous bread pudding. She was a very outspoken person who told you how it was. Definitely a firecracker for sure. If you knew her, then you know Fern was a blessing to have in your life, and was very unique. Memorials may be made in her name to St. Jude’s, Fox Center, or any charity of the donor’s choice. There will be no service per Fern’s request. There will be a service at a later date for the family. Arrangements are by Hager Memorial Home in Dwight, Illinois. The family would like to thank Heritage Health in Dwight for all the care and love that Fern got in her short stay with them.