Mr. Francis J. Burkum, age 82 of Potsdam, NY passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 26, 2011 in the Emergency Room at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church with Rev. Msgr. Robert Aucoin celebrant. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends may call at the Garner Funeral Service on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9. In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory can be made to the St. Judes Research Hospital or to the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Francis is survived by his wife, Pauline Burkum; children Larry (Bonnie) Burkum, Thomas (Linda) Burkum, Patricia Burkum, Gerald (Karen) Burkum all of Potsdam, Nancy Jandreau of Ballston Spa, Martha Burkum of Canton, Timothy (Kelley) Burkum of Potsdam, Sally (Joe) LaBarr of Brasher Falls, Teresa (David) Fenton of Canton, Cindy (William) Converse of Hopkinton and Lisa (Thomas) Foster of Parishville; 23 grandchildren;10 great grandchildren; his brothers and sisters George (Thelma) Burkum, Ellen Russell of Potsdam, Rose Brown of Bombay, Doris (Carl) Thompson of Parishville, Bernice (Francis) Wolfe of Norfolk, Shirley (Bill) Irwin of Plattsburg, Joan (Stanley) Jock of Bombay and Jean (George) Thompson of Parishville. He is predeceased by a daughter Susann Burkum who died in 1989, and a sister Mae Reynolds.
Mr. Francis J. Burkum was born on June 6, 1929 in Potsdam to the late Edward and Irene Laiton Burkum. He attended Potsdam schools. He went to work for Alcoa in 1947. In 1949 he served in the United States Army until receiving his honorable discharge in 1952. He then returned to Alcoa and remained there until his retirement in 1991. He worked in the wire, rod and bar division at the plant.
On June 21, 1952 at St. Andrew’s Church in Norwood, NY he was married to Pauline Ayotte. Francis enjoyed spending time with his family and farming. He also enjoyed telling stories about the past and riding his ATV. Condolences online can be sent at www.garnerfh.com.
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