Lester (Les) Burgardt, 73, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on June 12, 2022. Les was born in Hays, Kansas on September 10, 1948. He graduated from St. Francis Seminary in Victoria, Kansas, and continued on to receive a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master and Specialist Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Fort Hays State University.
Les was united in marriage to Carol Ann Herl on September 27, 1968; they were married 54 years. He started his teaching career in McDonald, Kansas. After teaching for one year, he joined the United States Air Force. He served from 1972 to 1976. During this time, he was stationed in Washington, D.C. where he worked at the Pentagon. When the family returned to Kansas, he began his 29-year teaching career at Trego Community High School in WaKeeney. He taught social studies and coached boys’ tennis. He enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, hiking, riding his bike, and playing pickleball. He was also actively involved in his church and community. Les was on Parish Council for Christ the King Catholic Church where he also served as a lector and sang in the choir. He was a member of Lion’s Club since 1976 and had served as secretary for many years. Les belonged to the local Knights of Columbus chapter. He worked at the Blood Mobile and gave blood frequently. After his long teaching career, he continued his service to education through the Trego Community Foundation for Educational Excellence of which he was a board member and was president for many years.
Les is survived by his wife, Carol Burgardt, his two children: Bobbie Dinkel and husband Danny of Hays, Kansas, Jeff Burgardt and wife Christine of Catharine, Kansas, four grandchildren: Tyler (Ashley) Dinkel, Danielle (Austin) Spencer, Kade Burgardt, Asher Burgardt, three great-grandchildren: Evelyn Dinkel, Tucker Spencer, Lorelei Dinkel, his sisters, LeeAnn Zielinski of Port Saint Lucie, Florida and Linda Schmidt and husband Kevin of Bradenton, Florida, his brother Dennis Burgardt and wife Janet of Salina, Kansas, his brother-in-law Tim Schmidt of Hays, Kansas.
Les was preceded in death by his father, Lester Paul Burgardt, his mother, Esther (Degenhardt) Burgardt, his twin sister, Esther Schmidt (Burgardt), his brother-in-law, David Zielinski
Visitation will be Thursday, June 16 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Prayer Vigil will begin at 7:00 PM with a rosary to follow.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 17, 2022, at Christ the King Parish Center. Father Charlie Steier of Christ the King will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Christ the King Restoration Fund or Project Help. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.