A Mass of Christian Burial for Jerome E. Burkel of Greenbush, MN will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 4:00PM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, Jerome’s family would like memorials to be toward trees and / or tree purchases. Jerome was on the Blessed Sacrament Church committee and would like to use the memorial money to plant trees there that were damaged in a wind storm.
Jerome Edward Burkel was born to Peter Paul and Lillian Margaret (Halberg) Burkel on October 29, 1945, in Roseau, Minnesota. He grew up in Greenbush, where he attended school and spent nearly his entire life surrounded by family, faith, and community.
Jerome married Deanne S. Erickson on August 15, 1975, in Greenbush. They were blessed to celebrate 50 years of marriage in 2025, spending their entire married life in the Greenbush area. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, love, and family.
Jerome proudly served in the Army Reserve from 1965 to 1971, demonstrating the same sense of dedication and responsibility that guided him throughout his life.
He was involved in the family business, Burkel Grain Service Inc., his entire life. Along with his family, he also owned and operated several turkey farms. A man of faith, he was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees, the Cemetery Committee, and helped with Christian youth education programs. Jerome also enjoyed being part of the Benwood Community Center, especially helping with their annual fundraising events.
Jerome was a very kind man who loved to visit and never met a stranger. He found joy in the simple things, spending time with family, cooking up something good in the kitchen, and caring for his pets. His gentle nature, strong work ethic, and love for others will always be remembered.
Jerome is survived by his wife, Deanne S. Burkel; sons Aaron (Sarah) Burkel—step-granddaughter Kendall Hougard—and Brian (Brittany) Burkel; and grandchildren Bella, Berlyn, Hennessy, Bexley, Lanny, and Blaze.
He is also survived by sisters Karen Cole, Nancy (James) Goslien, and Brenda (Milt) Arneson; Brother in law, Scott; nephews Spencer, Tim, Eric, Jason, Kirby, and Terry; and nieces Christine, Stephanie, Kally, and Noreen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Lillian Burkel; his brother, Gerald Burkel; and brother-in-law, Orvn Cole and Bobbie Burke.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Last modified: 10/21/2025
