Evans, GA – Charles (Charlie) Burkelman, 83, passed away on Friday, December 7, 2012.
Charlie was born on October 15, 1929 to Martin and Annette Burkelman of New York City, NY. He had retired after an engineering career with Lily Tulip Paper Cup Company. He was a graduate of Princeton University, Class of 1951. He also served four years in the Navy as a Lieutenant on the USS Saratoga. He was an avid sailor and a member of the North Cape Yacht Club in the Toledo, OH area and the Augusta Sailing Club. Charlie became involved in the operation of both clubs and he served as Commodore of each.
Charles was married to his first wife, Marjorie in 1954 in Elizabeth, NJ. After 12 years of living in New Jersey, his company moved them to Toledo, OH. Finally, after another 15 years, the company moved them to Augusta, GA, where he retired shortly thereafter. After Marjorie’s passing, Charlie and Claire Wolke, a widow, were married in 2001. Charlie and Marjorie had been long time friends with Claire from their many years living as neighbors in New Jersey. Beyond sailing, Charlie’s passion was traveling. This he pursued with Marjorie, and particularly with Claire. He enjoyed many trips in the USA, in the Caribbean, and around the world, and especially cruising.
In addition to his wife, Claire Burkelman of Evans, GA, he is survived by his son, Bruce Burkelman (Jane) of Naperville, IL, grandchildren, Brian of Naperville, IL, and Anne (Kyle) and his great granddaughter, Katy of Sidney, NE; his daughter Susan (William) Kirby of Columbus, OH, grandchildren, Matt of Columbus, OH and Meg of Denver, CO.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00PM on Friday, December 14, 2012 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 825 N. Belair Rd. Evans, GA 30809. Friends and family are invited after the service at the church for a celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Wesley United Methodist Church for “Men in Mission”.