Date of death: 5/13/2018
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1961
Father Gerald F. Burkert, age 83, Beech Grove, passed away on May 13, 2018. Born May 3, 1935 in Indianapolis to the late John and Ruth (Kuchler) Burkert, After finishing the eighth grade at SacredHeart, Father Burkert became an archdiocesan seminarian in 1949 and began his formation as a high school freshman at Saint Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad. Father Burkert was ordained into the priesthood on May 7, 1961 and was then assistant pastor at St. Patrick. Father Burkertà pastored Holy Family Parish and at St. Mary Parish in New Albany. He served as co-pastor of St. Jude Parish. His last assignment before he retired in 2007 was as pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Beech Grove. Shortly after he became a resident and served as chaplain at St. PaulÆs Hermitage in Beech Grove. Two of his favorite past times were reading and traveling, in particular trips to Alaska. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Joanne Burkert; nieces & nephews, Mike (Diane) Burkert, Ann (Marion) Wolfe, Brian (Paula) Burkert and Jane Burkert; great nephews and great nieces, Danny Burkert, Katy Burkert, Mary-Kate (Austin) Lange, Marco Burkert and Clare Burkert He was preceded in death by his brother John M. ôJackö Burkert, Jr.