Obituary of Ronald J. Burkett

Ronald “Jay” Burkett, 93, longtime resident of this area, died Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. A time of visitation will be held from 12 noon till 2pm on Friday, February 10, 2017, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, followed by graveside services at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City where military honors will be provided. A memorial fund has been established in his memory. “Jay” or “Tubby” as he was known was born November 8, 1923, in Kalona, the son of Loyal “Rube” and Nellie (Thompson) Burkett. Following high school he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, serving during World War II. For a good part of his life he has been in the plumbing profession, as a master plumber with the Union Local 125 in Cedar Rapids. Next year he would have received his 50 year recognition. He married Iva Reighard on April 8, 1963 in Coralville. Jay has lived many years, enjoying much in his life including his love of coon hunting, belonging to the kennel club, judging dogs, his mules and being grandpa to his many grandchildren, many who have lived with him and Iva along the way. His family includes his wife, Iva; sons, Richard and his wife, Roxie Burkett; and Kirk Burkett; grandchildren, Carman Halpern, Tammy Kopecky, Lee Burkett, Eric Burkett, Heather McKiddy-Burkett, Lano Burkett, Kim DeGood, Rita Ritmeyer, Jayson Dean Burkett, Tyler Burkett and Skyler Burkett and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, Aubrey, Dean, Daryl and Don Burkett; and his son, Ronald Jr.