Obituary of Leroy Arthur Burkemper

Leroy Arthur Burkemper, age 77, of Eagan, Minnesota passed away peacefully on December 18, 2020 surrounded by family.  Survived by wife Patty of 54 years, son Brent Burkemper of Bloomington, Mn., daughters Jennifer (David) of Osceola, Wisconsin and Katy (Jamie) of Lakeville, Mn.  Five grandchildren are the light of his life, Jessica, Derek, Peter, Casey and Ashlyn Rose.  
He was born on November 08, 1943 to Arthur and Ann Burkemper of Old Monroe, Missouri.  Siblings include Mary of Creve Coeur, Missouri, Jack (Ginger) Burkemper of Elsberry, Missouri, Dick (Kelly) Burkemper of St Louis, Missouri, Melvin (Kathy) Burkemper of Old Monroe, Missouri and Vicki (Bob) of Holden Missouri.  Also survived by sister-in-law Jacki (Bob) Bucci of San Antonio, Texas and many nieces and nephews.
Leroy received his degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia.  He entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and flew airplanes in Viet Nam from 1967 to 1968.  He was then hired by Northwest Airlines and flew 35 years until his retirement in 2003.  Upon retirement he continued to enjoy life in the country while clearing his few acres on his beloved John Deere tractor.  
He battled Parkinsons for 8 years and now is at peace, free of the daily challenges of the disease.
Memorials are preferred to The Parkinsons Association or Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul who so lovingly cared for him in his final days.
Due to current covid restrictions, a private funeral will be held for family only with burial in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.