Harold "Mert" Burenheide

Harold J. “Mert” Burenheide, 90, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2019 at Holiday Resort in Emporia

He was born August 13, 1928 in Olpe, the son of Anthony and Marie Agnus (Hellmer) Burenheide.

He was joined in marriage to Constance L. Miller on August 10, 1961 and celebrated 57 years of marriage before her death on October 14, 2018.

Mert was a U.S. Army veteran who served as a combat engineer in Korea. He came home and used his skills to help build the turnpike and survey for Panhandle Pipeline. He then worked as an engineer for Didde-Glaser where he retired.

He continued to serve his fellow veterans as Quarter Master for V.F.W. Post 1980 for over 45 years.

He and his wife, Connie, enjoyed meeting with friends as part of the 6th St. Coffee Club at McDonald’s.

While a man of few words his love of his family, country and church will live on in all who know him.

Mert will be forever remembered by his daughters, Julie (J.R.) Jessepe of Mayetta, Kansas; step-daughters, Rhonda (David) Edwards of Pleasant Plains, Illinois and Diana (Steve) Coble of Emporia; a brother, Clarence (Mary Gayle) Burenheide: eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by parents; a daughter, Melody Ann Burenheide; three sisters and a brother.

Military Honors will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday, March 2, 2019 and Celebration of Life Gathering from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the V.F.W. Post 1980 in Emporia. Memorial contributions may be made to the V.F.W. Post 1980 and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, KS 66856. Condolences may be expressed at Vanarsdalefs.com.