John H. Burgard, 86, Havana, formerly of Ipava,  died at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at his home.

He was born on July 7, 1935 in Canton, the son of Harold “Preacher” and Nelda Jo (Smith) Burgard.  He married Rose Marie Wemker on February 18, 1962 in Havana and she survives.

Also surviving are three sons; Barry Burgard of Bath, Brett Burgard of Ipava, and Barth (and Angie) Burgard of Havana; one daughter, Bambi (and Jeff) Traiger of Shawnee, Kansas; five grandchildren, Chelsea Burgard, Blaze Burgard, Sommer Burgard, Alaina Traiger and Amara Traiger; and three sisters, Lois Gorsage of Cuba, Illinois, Luann Davis of London Mills, and Rebecca (and Don) Heller of Table Grove.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert and Lanny Burgard.

He was a US Army veteran, serving from 1955 to 1956 with a rank of PFC.

John was a farmer and coal miner, working at the Key Mine near Rushville from 1959-1966.  He then started the A Cesco Water Treatment Company in 1963.

He was a member of the Ipava United Presbyterian Church.  John wrote the Ipava Book, was a member of the Ipava Homecoming committee, the Ipava Toy Show committee, the Ipava American Legion, the Fulton County Farm Bureau, and the Vermont Antique Tractor Show committee.

He attended the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Havana. He enjoyed collecting antique toys as a hobby and was one of those responsible for repairing the steeple at the Ipava United Presbyterian Church.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at the Ipava United Presbyterian Church. Pastor Kevin Kessler will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 10th from 4-7 pm at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Ipava United Presbyterian Church or the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana.  Interment will be in the Ipava Cemetery will military rites provided by the Ipava American Legion and the Army Honor Guard.

Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria has been entrusted with arrangements.