Anne Burkholder

Anne Burkholder, 87, of McPherson, died Thursday, October 4 at The Cedars. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 12 at the McPherson Church of the Brethren, with family visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Annona Maybelle Baxter Burkholder was born on December 27, 1930, in Hastings, Nebraska. She was the only child of Harry Baxter and Ida Coon Baxter Jackson. Anne married Robert Burkholder on June 10, 1951, at Topeka, Kansas. She was a wonderful mother to five children. Due to her father’s various jobs, she grew up in Red Cloud, NE; Smith Center; Beloit; Hutchinson; McPherson; and Topeka. The family attended Methodist Churches. Anne graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1948 and then attended one semester at Hutchinson Community College. Her dream was to become an architect, but at that time area colleges did not allow women to enroll in such coursework. Anne met her future husband while living in McPherson. After getting married, the Burkholders spent 12 years together in Windom, where Bob served as the high school teaching principal. With five young kids, the family moved to Buhler in 1962 where Anne and Bob spent the next 42 years. After her husband died, Anne moved to The Cedars in McPherson where she spent the final thirteen years of her life. Anne’s life can be captured in two words: mother and wife. Anne sacrificed a career of her own to raise the five children and to support her husband Robert, who was a long-time Superintendent of Schools for Buhler USD 313. More than anything, Anne loved to spend time with family. She was generally reserved and liked to stay in the background, and was happiest when surrounded by family. Anne spent much of her time raising children and attending the kids’ athletic, music, and various other activities. After the kids were in school, Anne returned to work as an insurance claims clerk, orthodontist secretary, legal secretary, and a hospital accounts receivable clerk. Mrs. Burkholder was a kind and gentle person who loved all of God’s creatures, especially dogs. She raised five dachshunds over the past fifty years. Her dogs loved her as much as a dog could love a person. Anne was a member of the Buhler Mennonite Church. Areas of service included a long-time member of the Buhler Extension Homemakers’ Unit, Cub Scout Den Mother, and Girl Scout Leader. Mrs. Burkholder enjoyed serving as a Hospice volunteer for five years. Survivors of the immediate family include five children, Susan and Don Cameron of Lenexa, Kansas; Dr. Stephen and Tina Burkholder of McPherson, Kansas; Kevin Burkholder and Dr. Kathy Hinders of Superior, Wisconsin; Karen and Bruce Lewallen of Bisbee, North Dakota; and Kathy Burkholder and Mark Appel of Manhattan, Kansas; half sister Velma Wolf, Urbandale, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; and 20 great grandchildren. Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; father, Harry; mother, Ida; stepfather Cloyce; and granddaughter, Kristin. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Robert E. Burkholder Future Teacher Scholarship Fund with Buhler USD 313.

Anne Burkholder

December 27, 1930 - October 4, 2018