Wilbur Burkitt

STERLING – Wilbur R. Burkitt, 77, of Sterling, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at his home.

Wilbur was born July 3, 1932, in rural Wayne County, the son of Terry J. and Beulah O. (Lee) Burkitt. He was employed by Frantz Manufacturing Co., Sterling, for 45 years, retiring in 1995. Wilbur married Thelma L. Crundwell on Aug. 24, 1950, in Fairfield. He was a member of 16th Avenue Church of Christ, Sterling. Wilbur enjoyed camping, fishing, tinkering with clocks, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma Burkitt of Sterling; one daughter, Delores (Richard) Hittlet of Polo; one son, Terry (Bonnie) Burkitt of Rock Falls; two brothers, Joseph Robert (Ruth) Burkitt of Bruno, Ark., and LaVerne Burkitt of Forsyth, Mo.; three grandchildren, Thomas (Wendy) Hittlet, Amanda Burkitt, and Roseann (Jason) Heckendorf; and three great-grandchildren, Ayden Hittlet, and Jillian and Josephine Heckendorf.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Teddy Burkitt.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with Joe Puckett, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Coloma Township Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.