Norman
E.
Burkett
Obituary
Norman E Burkett, 64, of Fort Wayne after a valiant fight with brain cancer, passed away into heaven at 4:30 am, April 23, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Norman was born July 5, 1955 in Winamac, IN and was the son of the late Cecil Burkett and Phyllis Burkett, who survives. He was a graduate of Manchester High School Class of 1973, North Manchester, IN. He entered into marriage with Therese Joy Patrick on October 1, 1983. He was the plant manager and loyal employee of Laketon Refining for 47 years and an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Arcola, a Benedicte Oblate of St. Meinrad Archabbey, former Boy Scout Master and former member of the Manchester Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Mizpah Shrine. Norman loved his family. He enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles, and traveling, including Rome, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, Western USA including the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Arizona and the California Coast. He loved spending time outdoors, rearranging the garage, riding the mower to maintain the lawn and stacking up bon fires. Birthdays always included a big fireworks display on his July 5th birthday. Norman is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Therese Joy Burkett; children Emily Marie (Sasha) Burkett and Nora Joy (Eric) Burkett both of Fort Wayne, IN, Claire Nicholette (Dakota) Judy of Florence, IN; Logan Patrick (Clarissa) Burkett of Fort Wayne, IN; brother, Timothy (Amy) Burkett of Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren Jackson, Dakota Jr., Eric"EJ" Jr. and Ava. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Friday, May 15, 2020 at St. Patrick Catholic Church – Arcola, 12305 Arcola Road with calling one hour prior. Visitation will be Thursday May 14, 2020 from 2pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm at DivineMercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne. Face covering is required, gathering of 25 people and social distancing will be followed. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorial contributions may be made to St Vincent Carpenter's Sons / Neighbor Link, Cancer Services of N E Indiana or the St. Meinrad Archabbey.
Services
Condolences
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So sad to hear of Norm’s passing. He delivered monthly samples from his work to our laboratory for over 30 years. He was a pleasure to work with, always greeted everyone with a big smile and a friendly hello. We all thoroughly enjoyed working with him. May he rest in peace.
Therese and family, just wanted to send my thoughts and condolences to you. I remember Norman as an extremely happy and kind man. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you. It meant so much when you and Norman came down to Tennessee for my grandmas funeral. Wishing you love during this time.
Theresa and family,
Dan and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We remember the masses we shared at St. Catherine’s as our children were growing up.
Dearest Theresa Joy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Norm. While my time spent with him was limited, my childhood was filled with a very special friendship with Theresa.
Wom, I’m thinking of you and praying that you find peace and comfort in all that you and Norm shared.
With much love,
Mary Ellen Geary-Kartholl and family
So very sorry for your loss.God bless you all.Craig/Sherry Walters
Therese Joy, So very sorry to learn about Norman. I worked at Lutheran several years ago with you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I went to school with Norman and graduated with him he was always kind and I’m so sorry he’s gone
I was so sorry to read Norm’s obituary in the Journal Gazette this morning. His smiling face is exactly the way I remember him and I haven’t seen him in at least 45 yrs! Norm and his family were regular customers in my mom’s grocery store, Tracy’s Market on West Main Street in North Manchester. I remember old customers and MHS classmates for a variety of reasons and they don’t all bring a smile to my face and tear to my eye like this one did. RIP Norm. To Mrs. Burkett and (ornery) Tim: my deepest condolences to both of you. I can see you all plain as day from where I stood behind the checkout counter ringing up your groceries. And to Norm’s wife, kids, grandkids, friends and co-workers: I’m so sorry for your loss.
Our sympathy and prayers for all.. God’s comfort and peace be yours.🙏💖
Theresa I only meet your groom once. But from your beautiful smile at him or your words of him, I knew in my heart you two had a special love not many know. I could tell he was as a kind and loving soul and I lived him because he loved you. Prayers to you and the children and grand babies
He will always be a big bear in my heart ♥️
Love you, Cousin Sabrina Patrick Dean
My condolences to the entire Burkett family. I worked many years with Norm. He was always a pleasure to be around, work with, or just talk to. He would do anything asked, do it well, and always have a great attitude about it. He will be missed, but definitely left the world a better place.
Therese Joy and Family, Our hearts ache for all of you! Norm is whole again and rejoicing with our Heavenly Father !! Rest in Eternal peace, Norman!!
Norman to me was more than a man, more than a friend, he was a dad (not by blood but more importantly by choice). He taught me many physical things like how to change the brakes on my car, or how to operate heavy equipment (properly or in properly at times). He taught me many emotional things, how to love those outside your family, and how to be generous. He taught me many spiritual things such as how to love God outside the church as well as in it. Norman will be missed physically but as the many lives he has touched continue he will not be missed in memory and action. I love you Pops and I’m glad God gave me the time to know you. See you up there.
He was the strongest man alive and the best husband, father,brother there ever will be
So sorry to read of your husband’s passing. May your family find peace and comfort in your memories. Old friends, Dann and Renee Hollenbeck.
I met Norman and his loving family many years back when I was associate pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Fort Wayne Indiana. Those who knew Norman will agree with me when I say he was a great man who had open heart and door policy. I was very much welcomed and appreciated in his family. Norman was a kind of person who will go extra miles to make sure that everybody has a fair share. He counts others first before himself what we rarely see in our society today. He has a beautiful smile that attracts other smiles. Norman was a staunched Catholic he attended mass every Sunday. Norman and his beloved wife Therese Joy visited me in Chino CA on one of their travels to West Coast. We scheduled to go to Italy this year in honor of my Silver Jubilee of my priestly ordination. Never did I know it was going to be the last time to be with him here on earth. Life without Norman will not be the same for those who know him. I know you are in good hand and in that home sweet home, a home of peace and joy. Say hello to our Blessed Mother whom you honored while you were here on earth. May the angels welcome you home and enjoy the vision of Our Lord until when we will meet you again to part no more. Adios my friend. May God be with you 👋