Idea Burkart

IRON MOUNTAIN - Idea M. Burkart, 99, formerly of 214 West D St. and Victorian Pines Estates since 2004, Iron Mountain, died on Thursday, June 5, 2008, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Anna Sandretto and Valerio Calvino and immigrated to the U.S. in 1911 from Valleroy, France, where she was born on March 29,1909. Idea was a longtime resident of Iron Mountain and graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1926 of Iron Mountain High School. She won district and Upper Peninsula awards for excellence in shorthand and typing. After graduation she was employed as secretary to the manager of the Wisconsin-Michigan Power Co. until her marriage to William J. "Bill" Burkart on Sept. 17, 1932. The ceremony was performed by Father Fillion in the old St. Mary Church. A son, Alan, was born in 1937 and a daughter, Jeanne, in 1947. Bill and Idea celebrated 64 years of marriage before Bill passed away in 1996. Her part-time working career included secretarial work for various Iron Mountain lawyers, eight years as secretary to Dr. W.H. Huron, and five years as supervisor of charge accounts at J.C. Penney Co. She also served as secretary of the Iron Mountain Board of Education. Idea was an officer and volunteer for the Parent Teacher Organization for 25 years, 12 of them serving on the state board of the Michigan Congress of Parents and Teachers as district director and regional vice president. She was also the chairwoman of several state committees including Founders Day, Preschool Service, High School Service and Program. This entailed a great deal of traveling and planning for leadership training workshops and state conventions. She was accompanied by her husband, Bill, who shared her enthusiasm for a quality education for children and youth. She was honored for her work both as president of the Iron Mountain PTA Council and as a member of the state PTA from which she retired in 1967. After her husband's retirement from the Wisconsin-Michigan Power Co. in 1967, the couple traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. She continued with her volunteer work for the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society. In 1979, Idea assisted at the reorganization of the Friends of the Dickinson County Library serving as an officer for 12 years and co-chairing two successful millage elections. She was a constant reader, greatly enjoying the excellent library facilities. Idea was a life member of the Theta Chapter of E.M.B.A., serving two terms as president and district director. She was a life member of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford G.F.W.C., a member of the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital League, and a member of the auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. She and her family were members of St. Mary and St. Joseph Church in Iron Mountain. An excellent communicator and an avid correspondent with friends and family throughout the years, Idea had a gift for writing and sharing her caring, concern, and kindness for others. A sympathetic listener, she also delighted in relating stories of her life's experiences. Her sense of humor, positive outlook on life, and ability to cope with adversity strengthened those around her. Gardening was her pleasure, and as those around her expressed it, "Idea brings sunshine into our lives." She is survived by her daughter, Jeanne (David) Williams of Palatine, Ill.; her daughter-in-law, Judith Burkart of Charlotte, N.C.; two grandchildren, Gary (Wendy) Burkart of Waxhaw, N.C., and Deborah (Joseph) Arena of South Pasadena, Calif.; four great-grandchildren, Rachel and Matthew Arena, and Corrie and Julia Burkart; two nieces, Ann (Robert) Markell and Laurie Walstrom of Iron Mountain; a grandnephew, James Markell, and four grandnieces, Bobbi Ann Carroll, Lee Anne Ryta, Jessica Bourgeois; three nephews, Daniel (Sharon) Boyle, James Boyle, and Michael (Lorraine) Boyle; a grandniece, Danielle Boyle and three grandnephews, John, James, and Fredrick Boyle, as well as several great-grandnephews and great-grandnieces. She was preceded in death by her son, Alan Burkart in 1970; her brother, Calvin Calvino, and her sister, Alba Klien. A memorial Mass will be offered on July 12 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Fr. Daniel Moll will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. Condolences to the family of Idea Burkart can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home with arrangements.

Idea Burkart

June 5, 1909 - June 5, 2008