Leroy A. Burkemper
1943 ~ 2020
Captain Leroy A. Burkemper, age 77, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2020 in Eagan, Minnesota surrounded by family. He was born on November 08, 1943 to Arthur and Ann Burkemper of Old Monroe, Missouri. Leroy had five siblings.
Leroy received his degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and flew airplanes in Viet Nam from 1967 to 1968. After release from active duty, Leory was hired by Northwest Airlines on October 10, 1968. He had a full and robust career with NWA, serving as a pilot for 35 years until retirement in November 2003. In retirement Leroy continued to enjoy life in the country while clearing his few acres on his beloved John Deere tractor.
He battled Parkinsons for 8 years and now is at peace, free of the daily challenges of the disease. Survived by wife Patty of 54 years, son Brent Burkemper of Bloomington, Mn., daughters Jennifer (David) of Osceola, Wisconsin and Katy (Jamie) of Lakeville, Mn. Five grandchildren are the light of his life, Jessica, Derek, Peter, Casey and Ashlyn Rose. Captain Burkemper is interned in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul, MN.
(- Bill Day)