Gordon W. Burkholder

Gordon W. Burkholder, age 89, of Harpersfield, went to be with his Maker on Monday, April 10, 2023, in heaven he joins his beloved wife, Marie whom he dearly missed. He was born August 6, 1933 in Geneva, Ohio the son of Harry P. and Helen (Bowler) Burkholder. He lived in Harpersfield, Ohio his entire life. A 1951 graduate of Geneva High School, he made several life-long friends there. Gordon married the love of his life, Marie C. Enquist of Austinburg, Ohio on December 27, 1953 in Austinburg. Together they shared nearly 60 years of happiness, until her death in November 2013. Gordon was a wonderful, loving, family man, husband, father and grandfather. He and Marie took their children on  numerous vacations, he even walked with crutches on a walking tour of historic Boston to be with his family and not let them down.  He and Marie also traveled to Europe after their children were grown. Gordon joined the Geneva Masonic Lodge #354 in 1954, and in 2015 received an award plaque for his 60^th anniversary of membership. He and his wife purchased a portion of his parents’ farm in 1959 and both worked at raising Concord grapes until 2013, when he retired at age 80. He was a very hard-working and successful grape grower, having 50 acres of vineyards with the grapes mostly sold to Welch’s. He helped his neighbors and received help from them. Gordon and Marie joined the National Grape Co-op in 1964, continuing membership until his retirement, during which he served as a local area delegate from 1981 through 1990. Gordon’s hobbies were collecting die-cast models of tractors, cars and trucks, going to car shows, and watching all sports. He enjoyed country music, especially Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Eddy Arnold. He is survived by daughter, Rose Marie (David) Keyes; son, Jeffrey (Susan) Burkholder both of Harpersfield. Also survived by grandchildren, Claire Burkholder and Benjamin Burkholder; in addition to a niece and nephews, and cousins.  Sister in law, Mary Anne Burkholder also survives him.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; parents; sister, Mary Jean Mann and her husband Thomas Mann; brother, John R. (Mary Anne) Burkholder, in addition to two grandsons, William and Steven Burkholder in infancy. Friends will be received 10 am to 11 am on Monday April 17, 2023 at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison with a service immediately following at 11 am at the funeral home. Final Resting Place will be Alexander Harper Cemetery in Unionville. Obituary may be viewed online at www.behmfuneral.com