Keith Joseph Burkholder

Keith's Memorial Service may be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/754785075

Keith's tribute video can be viewed here. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/MLMF8KCNZ3PH6K2P

Keith Joseph Burkholder was born to Harvey and Jessie (Dayton) Burkholder in Cando, North Dakota on October 25, 1936. He died on September 22, 2022 at home in Fargo.

Keith graduated from high school in Langdon, North Dakota. He enrolled in architecture at NDSU and graduated in 1960 with a bachelor degree. He was hired by Johnson and Lightower and worked in their Fergus Falls office from 1960-1963 returning to Fargo to work in Johnson and Lightower there, until 1965. In 1965 he was appointed as City Planning Director and resigned in 1969. He was appointed the State planning Director by Governor Guy in 1969. In 1972 Keith returned to Fargo as the City Planning Director retiring in 1998.

In retirement, Keith volunteered for United Blood Service delivering and picking up blood for them. He kept records of how many miles he drove all over the states of ND, SD, and MN. He built a huge model train set in the sun room of his house. When he and his wife, Vel Rae were first married, he designed and built a lot of their furniture which they still use. He and his wife were collectors of local art and helped Theatre B thrive. Their son, Matthew, was a member of the ensemble at the theatre.

Keith is survived by his wife of 62 years, Vel Rae and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, his son, Matthew, and three brothers, Harvey, Dayton, and Clyde Burkholder.

The memorial service is 2pm, Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.