Steward, IL

George Burkhart, 76, passed away December 25, 2025 at the Rochelle Community Hospital in Rochelle, Illinois. George was born on December 19, 1949 to Marvin J. and Verdell E. (Gittleson) Burkhart in Steward, IL. On December 12, 1970, he married his "Sunshine", Karen Ann Richey-Beardin in Ashton, IL.

George was a lifelong farmer. He was a fabricator, welder, horseman and master of all trades. He loved tractor pulling, calf roping, riding horses and he never met a stranger. George was always there when anyone needed a hand.

George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karen of Steward, IL; four children: Joy (Don) Mullins of Stillman Valley, IL, Hollie (Mike) Elshoff of Ashton, IL, John (Tonya) Burkhart and George (Lisa) Burkhart both of West Brooklyn, IL; mother-in-law, Evelyn Beardin; seven grandchildren: Brian (Samantha) Elshoff, Katelyn (Pearce) Holland, Kortney (Matt Davis) Powell, Tyler Echelbarger, Blake (Ashely O’Brian) Burkhart, Connor Burkhart and Ethan (Becky) Annen; three great grandchildren: Paisley Elshoff, William Annen, and Allison, who is on the way.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his sister, Bernice Hagemann.

The visitation will be from 9:30 - 11:30 A.M., Friday, January 2, 2026 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will follow at 11:30, Friday with Pastor Joan Scheffler officiating. Burial is at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. Memorials may be made in George’s memory to Pegusus Special Riders or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.