Terrance Hans Burkman

Terrance Hans Burkman passed into heaven on Wednesday, March 25th at age 71. His inspirational battle with cancer ended at his home where he was surrounded by family. Terry didn’t let cancer define his life. He continued to laugh-love-live in such a manner that didn’t readily show his physical struggles with the disease. He was a tremendous encourager to others who were struggling with cancer or other physical affliction or difficulties in life. Terry kept loving relationships to the very end. Terry lived out Christ’s command about how we are to love one another (John 13:34-35). He did this through acts of kindness, generosity, visiting those in tough circumstances, sharing his gift of music and choosing words of life to those around him. Terry was born to Harry and Esther Burkman on June 25th, 1943 in Wadena, MN. His father Harry was half way around the world serving his country in the army during World War II. His mother Esther had previously served on the home front as a Boeing aircraft mechanic in Washington. Harry returned to Menahga on a brief furlough when Terry was 6 weeks old. The war ended and Harry returned home to his wife Esther and 2 year old son Terry. The family started their pursuit of the newly secured American dream. Family life included lots of family get-togethers, berry picking, gardening, deer hunting, fishing, trips to Leech Lake, thousands of family meals and impressive raspberry patches shared with the neighborhood. Terry’s grandparents (Oiva and Selma Carlson and Oscar and Annie Burkman) passed before his father Harry passed in 1980. Terry’s mother Esther lives in Menahga. Brother Bruce (Mary) Burkman lives in the Menahga countryside. Brother Dean (Sharon) Burkman lives in Mahnomen. Sister Debbie (Willie) Davis lives in Menahga. Terry and his siblings were blessed to have grown up in a loving family. Terry graduated from Menahga High School (1961) and then started his own adult life adventures. Terry completed his BS and MS at Bemidji State University. Terry found his wonderful life partner and wife-to-be Barbara (Baso); they were married on June 8th, 1968 and shared 46 years of married life. Terry professed Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1981, thus accepting the gift of salvation and promise of heaven. Terry and Barb had 3 sons and built a family upon values of faith in Christ, hard work, helping others, and family time. They shared thousands of family meals. Burkman family hobbies/interests included heating with wood, gardening, fishing, hunting, family get-togethers, school activities, Snurdbird baseball and trips to the same Leech Lake cabin. David and Gina Burkman (Clara, Josiah, Rachel) live in Fargo. Jeff and Robin Burkman (Cassidy) live in Belle Plaine. James and Lindsay Burkman (Blair) live in St. Cloud. Terry’s career path transitioned from school teacher to school counselor to vocational rehabilitation counselor where he spent 30 years. Terry was a patient, resourceful, caring counselor who successfully helped his clients. Terry retired in 2001 to pursue his family, outdoor and faith interests and passions. Retirement provided Terry opportunity to manage and groom miles of walking/hunting trails enjoyed by many. With his architectural thinking and hunting experience, Terry planned and built numerous deer stands that should rightfully be called deer apartments or condos. He enjoyed the Minnesota seasons, but loved to escape to sunny San Diego in Februaries. Terry served on the worship teams at Menahga Assemblies of God and other churches. He loved to make music for the Lord. We thank God for Terry and his life. John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Friday, March 27, 2015 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN with family sharing and memorial at time 7:30 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, March 28, 2015 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN. Interment will be at Alajoki Cemetery.