Rosalie A. (Weigel) Burkhead

Rosalie A. (Weigel) Burkhead
(December 30, 1933-October 2, 2018)

A Mass of Christian Burial for Rosalie Anna (Weigel) Burkhead, 84, Lawrence, Kansas will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2018 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. A private family burial will follow at a later date. Rosalie passed away unexpectedly on October 2nd surrounded by her family.

Rosalie was born December 30, 1933 at home in a rural farm house outside Monument, Kansas, the daughter of Otto Peter and Julia Ann (Mader) Weigel.

On January 31, 1953 she married M. Dean Burkhead her high school sweetheart in Oakley, Kansas. Dean preceded her in death on November 17, 2011.
Rosalie raised her 6 children and was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and sewing matching outfits for her children. In the 1970s she was employed by the KU Benefits office. She was a decades long member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church where she was actively involved in the Women’s Altar Society.

In their fifty-eight years together, Rosalie and Dean played in bridge groups. As an avid bridge player, Rosalie continued as an enthusiastic solo player, in countless bridge groups.

Her love of sports began at an early age and in her high school years she was a top state tournament volleyball player. Along with her daughters, she played in softball and bowling leagues. She was also as a great water skier and, though she may not have admitted it, we are sure she really enjoyed camping weekends at the lake. She also took great pleasure in tending to her gardens.

She was a loving and caring Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and friend. We will miss her scones, cinnamon rolls and wonderful holiday dinners followed by Rummikub marathons. She will be greatly missed by her family as well as others who held her close. She was so very proud of all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include six children: Deanna (Marc) Lowe of Topeka KS; Patsy Huffman of Lawrence, KS; Kim (Joe) Lewis of Lawrence, KS; Pam Burkhead, of Lawrence, KS; Terri (Scott) Cooper of Garnett, KS and Tom (Leah) Burkhead of Leawood, KS. Thirteen grandchildren: Lindsey (Jeff) Kaminski, Brooke Lowe, Mallory (Ryan) Lindsey, Kayla (Cribbs) Altman IV, Kasey (Matt) Gryszowka, Megan (Mike) Moseley, Tyler (Lissy) Lewis, Kelsey Cooper, Cameron (Rachel) Cooper, Katelin (Doug) Shane, Carston Cooper, Charlie Burkhead and Jack Burkhead. Twelve great grandchildren: Sadie and Hayden Kaminski; Jacob, Camden and Althea Lindsey; Halston and Huntley Altman; Grayson and Harlow Gryszowka; Olivia Lewis; Nolen Cooper; Warren Shane and 2 more are expected. Sister: Mary Jane Phares, Elgin, Illinois; Brothers: Lawrence Weigel, Tacoma, Washington and Robert (Kathy) Weigel, Oakley, Kansas, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her husband; parents; siblings Julita Rumback, Lila Jean Weigel, Leo Weigel, Otto Dean Weigel, Alvin Weigel and John Weigel.

The family will greet friends from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, October 7, 2018 at Corpus Christi Church with a Parish Rosary being recited at 2 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Catholic Charities or Lawrence Meals on Wheels, in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.