Howard Frederick Burkert, age 70, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, October 21st, 2011. He was born at home on February 11th, 1941, to Leonard and Elouise Burkert. Howard attended Anthony Wayne High School before serving 3 years in the Air Force. He married Darlene Brown of Sylvania and the two have enjoyed 47 wonderful years together. Howard has worked in masonry and was a welder at Teledyne CAE before pursuing his true passion, photography, as a career. For over 35 years, Howard and Darlene worked together as a beautiful team, as owners of Burkert Photography. Over the years, they specialized in wedding photography, family portraits, and senior pictures before Howard finally realized his lifelong dream of wildlife photography. The pursuit of this dream led him on many adventures to Alaska, all over the western United States, as well as many other breathtaking and spectacular places. Howard was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Carol Batterson, Ronald Burkert, Susan Walters, Richard Burkert; as well as his beautiful son, Billy. He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene; daughter, Virginia (Frank) Ulch, Howard (Sherri) Burkert, and his cherished grandchildren, Courtney and Tyler Ulch and Katie Burkert. Howard's sister, Donna Grothaus, from Lacey, Washington, has given the family immeasurable assistance and shown immense compassion in caring for Howard during the last 7 weeks. Howard will always be remembered as a loyal husband and father, and an incredibly loving papa. The family would also like to mention Scott (Tara) Hall, a treasured and valued friend to Howard for many years. The family requests any donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. A casual open house memorial will be held at the Monclova Community Center on Saturday, October 29th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come for coffee, cookies and conversation.

Published in Toledo Blade on October 23, 2011