Thomas Wayne Burkard

life story

About Thomas

Thomas(Tom) Wayne Burkard, age 70, of Savage, MN, passed away peacefully on July 6th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN.

Thomas Burkard was born May 27th,1955 in Red Wing, MN, the son of Harold and Jean Burkard. He grew up in Rosemount, MN where he explored his passion for sports, especially football with his father and brother. He later attended Stout Menomonie for a year or two and found a hobby in arts- favoring woodworking and painting. He created many things through his arts such as nature paintings, building house add-ons, wood decor and boxes, and customized bird houses that he made with his mother.

The outdoors was one of Thomas's favorite places to be. He did a lot of hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed motorcycling and ended up owning a Harley Davidson.

He later on became a truck driver for Yellow Freight, and moved on to driving school buses in his later years. When he retired, you could often find him playing bingo with family and friends or watching old westerns and the news.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Jean Burkard, and brother: Dr. Daniel Burkard. Thomas is survived by his children: Ashley(Kevin) Sullivan, Leah(Greg) McGrath from San Francisco, CA, Andrew Burkard, and Alyssa Burkard; sister: Lisa Hartwig, his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and many friends and colleagues.

There will be a private gravesite burial with close friends and family for Thomas. A celebration of life will be hosted at the American Legion in Savage, MN -where he spent a lot of time playing bingo and chatting with friends- on Sunday, August 17th from 3pm-6pm.

Rest in peace, Thomas. Your memory will live on forever in our hearts.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

August 17, 2025

American Legion Post 643 12375 Princeton Ave, Savage, MN 55378, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services