Wilda Blanche Burkhart

Wilda was born May 11, 1927, at the Pope Family homestead northwest of Merino Colorado, to C.A. (‘Dutch’) and Dora Atkins Pope. She was the oldest of four children. Wilda attended rural schools through the eighth grade and was a graduate of the high school at Crook, Colorado.

On August 2, 1943, Wilda and Glen E. Kokes eloped and were married in Norton, Kansas. That marriage ended, and on September 10, 1950, she married William Eugene (Gene) Burkhart at the Methodist Church in Merino, Colorado. Wilda and Glen had a son Alvin Frank born May 5, 1944, who was later adopted by Gene.

While at Merino, Wilda was an active member of the Methodist Church, served many years as sponsor of the Youth Fellowship, taught Sunday school and served as counselor at summer camp at Pinecrest. She belonged to the United Methodist Women and was a Past Noble Grand of the Merino Rebekah Lodge.

Wilda overcame health challenges to follow her educational dreams, eventually becoming an educator herself. In the fall of 1959 Wilda became a full-time, non-traditional student, enrolling at Northeastern Junior College at Sterling, Colorado, where she earned an Associate Degree. As a student she participated in campus activities and served as president of the Zeta Theta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

Wilda received the Poole Award at graduation. She then worked eight years as receptionist and office manager in the Student Personnel Office at NJC. She helped establish the NJC Alumni Association and served as president of the Association in 1970-71. In the fall of 1969 Wilda enrolled at Colorado State College (now the University of Northern Colorado). She earned a BA in Education and an MA in Guidance Counseling and Certification in Educational Media from that institution.

Wilda was Counselor/Librarian at the Merino Jr/Sr High School from 1973-1978, Counselor at Sterling High School 1978-1980, Counselor/Teacher at Caliche 1980-1983, and taught Psychology and U.S. History at Sterling High School from 1983 until her retirement in June 1987.

In 1987 the Burkharts sold their home in Merino, where they had lived for 37 years, and moved to Greeley to be near medical facilities needed by Gene and to be near their son Alvin and his family. Gene died December 2, 1988.

In 1990 Wilda enrolled at the Academy of Natural Therapy at Eaton, Colorado, completed the one-year course, and was certified as a massage therapist. She was then employed at the Clinic at the Academy and later practiced massage therapy at the Gietzen Chiropractic Center.

In Greeley, Wilda was active in the First United Methodist Church, the Weld County Genealogical Society, Friends of the UNC Libraries, the Weld County Democratic Party and was a charter member of the James A. Michener Society. She was a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the American Association of University Women. Wilda enjoyed her family, volunteering, doing genealogical research, reading, gardening, and watching video movies. Wherever she went, Wilda made a positive difference.

Wilda is survived by her son, Alvin Burkhart and wife Carol of Greeley, grandson Bret Burkhart of Seattle, granddaughter Tiffany Bolin of Brighton, and great-grandson, Noah Bolin who is currently serving in the Navy. Wilda was a loving aunt to four generations of nieces and nephews. She was viewed as the matriarch of a large extended family, nurturing and generous with her love and wisdom. Wilda will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Wilda Burkhart was preceded in death by her parents, sister Laurel Jean Pope Halcomb, brother Robert W. Pope and wife Norma of Greeley, and brother James Pope and wife Leah of Wray, Colorado.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church at 917 10th Avenue, Greeley, followed by lunch at the church. Interment will be at a later date in the family plot in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Sterling, Colorado.

Memorial gifts can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Greeley, the Weld Food Bank or a charity of your choice in Wilda’s name in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.

Our family thanks the wonderful helpers at Bristol Hospice, Fairacres Manor and Brookdale Assisted Living for their care and support.