Richard “Digger” Burkhart 1942 - 2025

CLAUS, BURKHART

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/15/2025 at 17:41:54

The Record
13 February 2025

Richard “Digger” Burkhart, 82, of Lawton, IA passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at a local nursing home. A Celebration of his life will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 21st, 2025, with the visitation at 5:00 p.m. at Lawton Community Presbyterian Church. The burial will be at Banner Township Cemetery in Lawton, IA. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Richard, a man who was a unique character with a quest for knowledge, was born on December 29th, 1942, in Smithland, IA to Vernon and Lenora (Claus) Burkhart. Richard worked for many others until he started his own earthmoving company called Burkhart Earthmoving. Richard had a lot of pride in his company, and it was very well known around town because of the circle and the big “B” that was in the middle. Many people would say that Richard was “unforgettable”, because of his charm, witty banter, endless knowledge about many topics, or because of his straightforwardness. You could find Richard obviously playing in the dirt, hence the name” Digger”. He loved running a D8 and pushing scrapers. “Digger” loved his work, looking at a project, and visualizing the outcome. Moving, forming, and shaping the earth to complete the job, gave him great satisfaction. He always stated he was the happiest while moving dirt.

“Digger” also enjoyed nature which included prairie grasses, birds, building blue bird houses, butterflies, and gardening. Richard enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible and taking photographs. If Richard wasn’t outside, you could find him at a table with friends and family playing cards, one of his favorite past time activities. “Richie” was pretty good at cards, and he let you know it.

For many winters, Richard made his way down to Texas to get away from the cold. He met many friends and did a lot of salsa dancing. “Digger” had the moves in the dirt and on the dance floor. He had a love for smoking meats, grilling food, and canning pickles. His favorite meal was liver and onions. His laughter was contagious, his advice was always honest, and his hugs were meaningful.

Those left to honor his memory include his children: Jodi (Rod) Lieber, Todd Burkhart, and Tonya (Jack) Crowl; his 8 grandchildren, Dustin (Melissa) Lieber, Alisha (Jeffrey) Jelken, Casey Andersen, Samantha (Victor) Patrick, Taylor Burkhart, Brady Burkhart, Jacob (Kellie) Crowl, and Garrett Crowl; 13 great-grandchildren; and sister Shirley Johnson.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; 1 sister; and a brother-in-law.