Elizabeth “Betty” (Schmidt) Burckhard, the daughter of Peter and Anna (Boechler) Schmidt was born on September 24, 1922 on the family farm near Balfour, North Dakota.  She died at the age 94 years on Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Betty, as she was known, was one of five children.  The family moved to a farm near Karlsruhe, where she enjoyed spending time working outside, and especially riding horses.  She attended a country school in the area, but was not able to finish high due to her help was needed at home.  On June 10, 1947, she was united in marriage to John L. Burckhard.  The couple made their home in Towner and operated Towner Plumbing and Heating for nearly 50 years.  Together they raised a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters.  Betty also worked cleaning the Johnson Clinic and St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church for many years.  In addition, in later years she worked as a cook at the school in Towner, where her baked goodies were enjoyed everyday.

Betty was a very involved member of the Towner community in many capacities as an active and vital member of many civic and church groups.  She was famous for her cooking and baking, especially her kuchen that was a celebrated staple at every holiday and special occasion, as well as at the weddings of friends and family alike.  Her gardens were productive and she spent many hours canning and preserving the bounty and her pickled tomatoes were a special treat.  Betty was the proud grandmother of 16 and great-grandmother of 10 with one more due in July.  Her family and their well-being was her utmost concern.

Betty is survived by her sons, Simon, Howard (Valli Jo), Harry and Rodger (Rhonda); her daughters, Paulette (Marc) Scheer, Rita Whalen and Carol (Ronald) Olson; grandchildren, Tanya Burckhard, Stacy (Andy) Lund, Shannon (Jesse) Otto, James (Samantha) Burckhard, Brock (Elizabeth) Scheer, Linsey Scheer, Shane (Robyn) Burckhard, Jason (Lauren) Burckhard, Erin (Mike) Galloway, Nichole Whalen, Rachel (Tim) Frank, Reece Burckhard, Rebecca Burckhard, Justine (Zachary) Haase, Jonathan (Haley) Olson and Kadan Olson; great grandchildren, Alexander and Serina Lund, Paige Burckhard, Victoria Tirado, Shane Burckhard, MacKenzie, Grace and Lincoln Galloway, Oliver and Henry Haase and Baby girl Frank; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; her siblings; son Donald and his wife, Linda; daughter-in-law, Wyonna Burckhard; son-in-law, Gilbert Oedekoven and grandchildren, Michael and Donald Burckhard and Raquel Whalen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18^th at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner with spring burial in the church cemetery.  Father Michael Schommer, Celebrant

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday with a Rosary and vigil prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Towner.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the time of services at the church on Saturday.