Teddy Burkes

Teddy A. Burkes, 72, died Monday, January 2, 2023 at Galion Community Hospital after several weeks of declining health.

He was born March 3, 1950 in New Castle, Pennsylvania to the late Frank “Bud” Burkes and Mary L. (Gilliland) Burkes Hakala. After graduating from Union High School in New Castle, Teddy worked in the steel industry before moving to Ohio in the 1980s, first to Columbus before making his way to Crawford County. He retired from Carlisle Industries in Crestline.

Teddy will be remembered as a hard-working family man. He was constantly joking around and there was always a lot of laughter in whatever room Teddy was in. At home, he kept a garden and loved to bake, with his mother’s zucchini bread recipe being a family favorite. He could usually be found tinkering in his garage or watching the Steelers or Buckeyes. He loved to make children smile and was always one to play. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life. Teddy was also a man of faith and he worshiped with the congregation of Victory in Truth Ministries.

Teddy is survived by his children, William Burkes, Sarah Burkes, and Wrachel Burkes; grandchildren, Nevaeh, Mary, Meridith, Lydia, Aaliyah, Star, Karter, and Kobe; and siblings, Buck Burkes, Cindy (Ted) Kosciuszko, and Frank Burkes.

In addition to his parents, Teddy was preceded in death by brothers, Frank III and Bill Burkes; sister, Pam Woessner; and stepfather, Victor Hakala.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 14 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends from 2-2:55 pm and the service will begin at 3:00 pm with Pastor JC Church officiating.

Donations to help with funeral expenses are appreciated and can be made payable to Wise Funeral Service. Memories and photos can be shared on Teddy’s Tribute Wall.