Craig Lee Burkeland

Craig Lee Burkeland, age 42 of Blanchardville, formerly from River Valley, died on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at his home. He was born on June 26, 1974 in Madison to Gary & Karen (Neuenschwander) Burkeland. He lived in the Arena-Barneveld area when he was growing up and graduated from River Valley High School in Spring Green in 1992. He worked for Orbitron in Spring Green as a welder following graduation, a talent and skill he worked at all his life. He later worked at Monona Tube and Welding. He was married on June 23, 2001 to Shannon Rae Cassidy. He started his own business, Burkeland Welding, which he ran for the last 11 years. He also recently worked at Cardinal Glass in Spring Green. Craig was a member of the York Memorial Lutheran Church in rural Blanchardville. He was a member of the Blanchardville Fire Department for many years. He loved deer and turkey hunting. He was an avid 4-wheeler and did a lot of mud drags with trucks. He also enjoyed snowmobiling. He loved spending time and playing with his kids, especially remote control cars, and being with family. He also enjoyed his fire red Chevy truck.

Craig is survived by his wife, Shannon, and their children, MaKenna and Nathan, all from Blanchardville; his father Gary (Donna) Burkeland of New Glarus; his mother Karen Burkeland of Barneveld; one brother, Keevan Burkeland of New Glarus; two sisters, Kendra (Elijah) Mateni of DeForest, and Jeana Burkeland of New Glarus; paternal grandparents, Myron and Charlene Burkeland of Hollandale; maternal grandparents Fritz & Dorothy Neuenschwander of Verona; paternal aunt Carol (Darrell) Carpenter of Monticello; two paternal uncles, Dennis (Angie) Burkeland of Browntown, and Dale (Janet) Burkeland of Hollandale; two maternal uncles Roy (Mary) Neuenschwander of McFarland, and Rick Neuenschwander of Oregon; a maternal aunt, Patsy Neuenschwander of Verona; one nephew Mokaya Mateni, and one niece, Maria Mateni; many cousins, friends, his best friend Tony; and his special dog Gunner. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Jeff Sweeney; a maternal aunt, Mary Neuenschwander; and a paternal uncle, Steven Burkeland.

A visitation for Craig Burkeland will be held on Thursday evening, May 25, 2017 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at Blanchard Hall on Main Street in Blanchardville, and Friday morning, May 26th at the Congregational United Church of Christ Barneveld at 104 S Jones St, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. A funeral service will be held Friday, May 26, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Congregational United Church of Christ Barneveld, with a funeral lunch to follow. Pastor Carolyn Kennedy will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family to benefit the future of Craig's children. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.