Kenneth J. Burkey

Kenneth J. Burkey, age 86 of Monroe, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Seacrest Rehab and Nursing Home, Monroe. Born July 27, 1936 in Monroe, Ken was the son of the late Norman and Hildegarde (Hoffman) Burkey. He graduated from Monroe Catholic Central High School in 1954 and married Mary A. Zimmerman on June 13, 1959 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Together they raised 7 children. She preceded him in death on February 9, 2020. Ken served his country as a member of the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army, collectively serving 5 years and 4 months before being honorably discharged. Ken was employed by Chrysler Corp. for 30 years in Perrysburg, Ohio, retiring in 1991 as Dock Supervisor. He was a member of St. Mary Church and former member of its Parish Council. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, wood carving, and was an avid Monroe County History buff. Ken is survived by his children, Kenneth “Sam” Burkey of Monroe, Kerry (Cheryl) Burkey of South Rockwood, Kellie (Dan) Farmer of Monroe, Karol (Charles) Nagel of Monroe, Kyna (Michael) Kozbial of Monroe, Ky (Paul) McGrew of Temperance, and Katrina (Earl) Duby of Brownstown; sister, Kathy (Tom) Welter of Rexburg, Idaho; brother, Vince (Bonnie) Burkey of Monroe; 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Ken was preceded in death by a brother, Norman Burkey; sister, Elaine Ellison; and great-granddaughter, Amelia Ford. Family and friends may visit from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 4th at Bacarella Funeral Home. The following day, Ken will lie in state at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. David Burgard, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery with military honors provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.