Verdun L. "Verdie" Burkland

Verdun L. "Verdie" Burkland, age 90, resident of Lakota, ND, died Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society.

Verdun Lavon "Verdie" Burkland was born February 27, 1926 in McVille, ND the son of Oscar and Sarah (Berg) Burkland. He was raised on the family farm at Stump Lake, Wamduska Township in Nelson County. Verdie married Evelyn Billings on November 28, 1947 at Lakota, ND. They raised their family in Longmont, CO and then in Lakota, ND. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and the U.S. Air Force reserves during the Korean War. After discharge he became an electrical journeyman in Longmont, CO. Upon moving back to Lakota, ND, Verdie then earned his Master Electrician license. He owned and operated Burkland Electric Appliance and Repair in Lakota for many years.

Verdie was a past commander of the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21, former Lakota City Councilman, a member of the Euclid Masonic Lodge No. 24, co-founder of the Lakota Housing Authority, charter member of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, and served as Secretary-Treasurer and Warden of the Lakota Episcopal Church. He also served on the Nelson County Park Board, the Nelson County Housing Board, Precinct Election Committee, and Chairman of Red Cross Home Services.

After retirement he worked as a Field Operations Assistant for the Devils Lake Job Service. Verdie and Evelyn then moved to Grand Forks where they were caretakers for Grandview I apartments. Verdie also worked with Experience Works for the Grand Forks Housing Authority. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing cards and playing the organ.

Verdie will be deeply missed by his wife, Evelyn Burkland of Lakota; 4 children, Keith Burkland of San Francisco, CA, Kathlyn Matejcek and Kim (Pam) Burkland of Lakota, ND and Kristine Burkland of Grand Forks, ND; daughter-in-law Janet Burkland of Henderson, NV; 7 grandchildren, Mark Matejcek, Nicole (Haagen) Diener, Trent (Sarah) Matejcek, Hayley (William) Ross, Samuel Burkland, Kaitlyn Burkland, and Emily Burkland; 7 great grandchildren, Ethan, Keira, and Chase Matejcek, Jillian and Christopher Ross, Thea and Svea Deiner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin; his parents; brothers, Rudolf, Milton, and Leonard, sisters, Lillian, Hazel, and Mayme, and infant sister, Amy.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church on Friday, April 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Military honors will be provided by Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 of Lakota. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.