We are sad to announce that Charles Lee Burkett, 87, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away at 11:34 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022 at his home at Clark on Keller Lake. Chuck was born September 3, 1935, in McBain, MI to Robert Lee and Clara Mae (Bowman) Burkett. On April 10, 1959, Chuck married Dorothy Laverne Wilkey (Dotty) in Fort Knox, KY.
He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1957, participating in ROTC, and earning a B.S. Degree in Agri-Business. He served two years active duty in the Army, attaining the rank of Captain. His career with Michigan Farm Bureau spanned 40 years, starting as a management trainee and retiring as CEO. He also served on the boards of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (5 years as Chairman) and Accident Fund Insurance Company of America (4 years as Chairman).
Post retirement, Chuck and Dotty enjoyed many years of travel and time with friends and family. He was an avid hunter and golfer.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dotty; his children, Kevin (Lisa) Burkett of Dacula, GA, Kurt (Debbie) Burkett of West Bloomfield, MI, and Kelly (Brad) Nickel of Alto, MI; six grandchildren, Nancy, Jack, Michael, and Matthew Burkett, Brianne and Brenna Nickel; his sister, Donna VanHaren of Grand Rapids, MI; and two step-sisters, Mary (Larry) Buning of Falmouth, MI and Nancy (Lee) Buning of Hudsonville, MI.
Chuck was preceded in death by his sister Ruth Gadson.
Though we will miss him, we are blessed to share many wonderful memories of a life well lived.
A celebration of life service will be held in the Spring of 2023.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Errol and Vivian