Josef Burghardt

His family escaped Yugoslavia when Josef was three weeks old, to Austria.

The Burghardt family came to the United States in 1952 and lived in Orville Ohio where Josef attended an Amish school for one year before his family settled in Santa Rosa, California.

Josef joined the Devil Pups when he was 15 years old.

Prior to graduating high school Josef enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

In 1965 Josef planted his feet firmly on those yellow foot prints, this began his transformation from a civilian to Marine.

Josef deployed twice to Vietnam and received 3 Purple Hearts during his service and 2 Bronze Stars. 1966 – 1967

In June of 1967 while Josef was stationed in El Toro, Josef would be introduced to his future wife Jo Dawson.

During his second tour in Hue City Vietnam, Josef was wounded.

This combat wound rendered him a quadriplegic on February 28, 1968.

Josef was sent to V.A. Hospital in Long Beach, California in May of 1968.

Josef married Jo on June 22, 1968 their son Michael was born on December 19, 1969.

Josef was a devoted husband and father, who did not let his combat wounds stand in his way. Josef was a wonderful mentor and role model to all that knew him. He was an excellent provider to his wife and son.

Josef is survived by his (mother) Barbara Burghardt, (wife) Jo Burghardt, (son & daughter-in-law) Michael and Shanna Burghardt, (grandson) Alexander Burghardt, and his (sister & brother-in-law) Elisabeth and Michael Thompson, (niece) Lisa and (nephew and wife) Brendan and Kim Lien, (great-nieces) Sara and Olivia.

Semper Fidelis- Always Faithful. The U.S. Marine Corps motto sums up Josef's commitment to his family and friends.