Gerald H. Burtzel

GERALD H. BURTZEL entered Christ’s eternal kingdom on August 23, 2022 at the age of 91 years.

He was born on August 18, 1931, in Seaforth, MN, to Joseph and Marie (Bernardy) Burtzel.  He graduated from Wabasso High School in 1949, then joined the military in 1952-1954 serving during the Korean Conflict.  He then married the love of his life, Patricia A. Fonken on June 19, 1956.  After getting married, they lived in several areas including Iowa, Fairmont, Springfield, North Mankato and Kasota.  When in Iowa, he worked for the CNW railroad, transferred to Fairmont and then went to Springfield, 1955-1959.  In 1959 he joined Honeymead Soybean Plant in Mankato as a lab technician, retiring in 1997. 

His favorite times were being together with family and friends.  He enjoyed so many things that included gardening, going to parades, card playing, camping, fishing, square dancing, polka-waltz dancing, as well as listening to polka music. He was king of the clean plate club and always turned a stranger into a friend.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa.  Between his work schedule, picking up kids after sports and many events, he was very busy - but truly enjoyed every minute of it as he continued following the grandkids and great-grandkids in their sporting events, theatre and Lancers. 

Gerald is survived by his wife Pat, and their six children: Kathy Thielges and her partner Tim Davis, Denny (Jan) Burtzel, Tom (Kim) Burtzel, Brian (Monica) Burtzel, Diane (Steve) Hovila and Karen (Mike) Dimler, 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Beatrice Burtzel, brother-in-law Loumere Fonken, aunt Mary Lou Burtzel, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Marie Burtzel, brothers Floyd and Francis, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Rolland and Liela Macht, and sister-in-law Barbara Fonken. 

Visitation will be from 11:30-1:00 on Thursday, September 1^st, 2022 at SS Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church located at 105 N 5^th Street, Mankato, MN.  Funeral services at 1:00 pm at the church to honor his life.  We invite anyone who knew Gerald to attend.  A reception will follow in the basement of the church after the funeral.  Private burial for the immediate family members.

 The service will be live streamed at Mankatomortuary.com

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.