Dr. Robert John Burkle

Doctor Robert John Burkle, surgeon and healthcare professional, died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, with his wife, children, and closest friends by his side at the age of 85. He was born in Lafayette, on Sept. 29, 1931.

Doc was beloved and respected by his family, friends, and colleagues for a life defined by determination, work ethic, and high spirits. Doctor Burkle studied at Purdue University before attending the Indiana University Medical School. The Doctor practiced medicine in Terre Haute, for the last 54 years. He made significant contributions in surgical societies, various hospital staff affiliations, and the medical field.

He was a member in the Vigo County Medical Society, Indiana State Medical Association, American Medical Association, Indiana Bone and Joint Club, Indiana Orthopedic Society, American College of Surgeons, a diplomat of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, and the Board of Governors, American Fracture Association. Doctor Burkle served as president of the Vigo County Medical Society (1984 and 2006) and held dual licensure in Indiana and Illinois. He has served on the Vigo County Board of Health since 1990. He was an orthopedic consultant for the Federal Penitentiary in Terre Haute, from 1964 to 2011. He was a secretary, treasurer, vice president and president of staff of Terre Haute Regional Hospital. He also was affiliated with Indiana State University athletics and Indiana State University Team Orthopedic Consultant from 1962-1993. He held two terms as the Vigo County Coroner and worked as the track doctor at the Terre Haute Action Track. Doctor Burkle was in ROTC at Purdue and then spent several years in the Air Guard as a member of the United States Air Force. The doctor also was a member of the Masonic Social Lodge 86, Scottish Rite, Zorah Shrine, ROJ Ct. 45, Universal Investment Club and the Sycamore Country Club. Doctor Burkle was a devoted member of the Terre Haute United Methodist Temple.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Burkle, and Alida Lydia Huesing Burkle. Surving is his wife of 47 years, Carol Hastings Burkle; his five children, Beth Burkle Logue and husband Jon Logue, Heidi Behnke and husband Thomas Behnke, Robert Burkle Jr. and wife Desire Burkle, William Bryan Burkle, and Shawn Burkle and his partner Lauren Ferris. Also surviving are his eight grandchildren, Robert Burkle lll, Anna Behnke, Garrett Burkle, Alida Behnke, Brinlee Burkle, Claire Burkle, Brody Burkle and Austin Burkle.

Services are being held Friday, Feb 17, 2017, at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place from 4 until 8 p.m. today, Feb 16, 2017, and a Masonic service will be at 7:30 p.m. Pallbears will be Leroy Manuel, Dr. Dan Bedecki, Dr. Greg Lawson, Dr. Fred Drake, Lane Deatherage, Shaun Schroeder, Tom Behnke and Jon Logue. Arrangements are under the direction Roselawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 7500 North Clinton, Terre Haute. If friends should so desire, contributions can be made to American Cancer Society and Shriners Hospital for Children of St. Louis made in the name of Robert J. Burkle, M.D. Online condolences can be given at: www.roselawnfuneralhome.net