Jack Leroy Burkam

Jack Leroy Burkam, age 91, of Merrill, Wisconsin passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Care Partners in Weston, Wisconsin. He was born on April 18, 1932 to the late Virgil H. and Florance O. (Taylor) Burkam in Merrill, Wisconsin. He married Margie Ann Bergman on July 5, 1956 in Merrill after dating for 5 months. She precedes him in death after 65 years of marriage.

In October 1952, Jack enlisted in the US Army. He was honorably discharged in March 1953. Most of Jack’s life he worked as a machine operator for Wausau Paper Mills for 31 ½ years.

Jack was very involved with church activities. He also enjoyed volunteering with 4H and Little League Baseball. He is a top blood donor, donating 22 gallons of blood in his lifetime. Because he always loved flying, Jack got his solo license. He was also ordained as a pastor. He enjoyed R.C. model airplanes, repairing small gasoline engines, snowmobiling, watching the Packers and playing the ukulele. Most of all Jack loved spending time with his grandchildren.  

Jack could have you in tears of laughter somedays and he will be very sadly missed by his family and friends.

Jack is survived by his children: Zeb Burkam and Star (Ron) Scherzer, grandchildren: Megan Mangel, Toni (Ben) Frick, Mathew (Taylor) Scherzer, Paul Brandon (Kyla) Scherzer, Richard (Amber) Burkam, and Dylan Burkam, great-grandchildren: Skylar and Keyton Frick, Emma and Ava Mangel, Riley and Raegan Scherzer, Braelynn and Emrick Burkam, and Christian Kinningham, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, grandsons: Henry Mangel and TJ Schrezer, great-grandson: Payton Frick, sister: Judy Burkam, infant sister: Thelma Burkam, and brother: Donald Burkam.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Waid Funeral Home. Cremation to take place, with an inurnment at a later date at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the American Red Cross or Lincoln County 4-H in loving memory of Jack.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.