In Loving Memory of Joan Mary Burkart
Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend
Joan Mary Burkart, the heart and soul of the Burkart family, passed away on Saturday May 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and joyful service to those around her. A woman of quiet power and deep devotion, Joan was the strong core of
her family — always there when needed, always giving more than she received, and always doing it with grace, humor, and an ever-present twinkle in her eye.
She was born in Hamilton, Ohio on February 19,1949 the daughter of Mark and Clara (Fassett) Peters and was a 1967 Graduate of Badin High School.
Joan was the cherished wife of John Burkart, the love of her life, to whom she was happily married for fifty-two beautiful years. Their story began in the second grade at St. Ann's School, where they had to be separated for talking too much in class — a spark that grew into a lifetime of laughter, partnership, and deep affection. Together, they raised five children and eventually welcomed twelve grandchildren and great-grandchildren into a home that overflowed with love, warmth, and the smell of
something sweet baking in the oven.
Known for her legendary birthday parties, Joan brought joy to her friends and family with her cakes, pies, and cupcakes — more than 3,000 cupcakes and 120 birthdays celebrated over the last ten years alone. She made every family celebration feel like a major holiday and put her entire heart and soul into every one of them.
Joan had a fierce spirit and a strong will — qualities that became especially evident after John's passing. She became not only the emotional anchor but also the hands-on problem solver, learning everything she needed to keep her family and home running smoothly. She learned how to be even more self-reliant, and when someone needed help, she showed up — no hesitation, no fuss, just action.
Even in her later years, Joan remained full of energy and determination. She rode her bike daily, often clocking 20 miles a day during the summer. In earlier years, she and John rode nearly thirty miles on the Loveland Trail each weekend. She was tough — the kind of woman who once chased down bike thieves. That grit was matched only by her wit: Joan had a sharp sense of humor and a quick, loving sarcasm that always made you laugh when you least expected it.
She was a devout member of St. Ann's Church. At the age of six she once wrote "I love God" on the inside of her dresser drawer — a simple message that captured the depth of her lifelong faith. In her later years she cared for the church devotional candles and helped wherever needed, always quietly, faithfully, without asking for recognition.

Joan was also a lover of beauty and life's simple pleasures. Her garden was a riot of color each summer, with hundreds of thousands of flowers blooming under her care. She fed the birds, Top Cat, and anyone who showed up hungry — human or otherwise. She was a loyal sister and best friend to siblings, and a beloved grandmother who doted on her 12 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her four daughters and one son inherited her strength, independence, and sense of humor — and her deep, unwavering love.
Joan Mary Burkart was one-of-a-kind: tough, generous, funny, faithful, and full of heart. She leaves behind a family made strong by her example, and a world made better by her presence.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
Survivors include her five children, Christina Burkart, Angela (Eric) Bigham, Greta Burkart, Bridget Burkart, and Johnathan (Kristen) Burkart; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a sister, Saundra Highland; three brothers Robert, John, and James Peters; two sisters-in-law, Sue Coffee (Burkart) and Joyce Cepluch (Burkart); and brother-in-law, Jim Burkart. Besides her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by a grandson, Bryce Bigham and two brothers Mark and Paul Peters.
Visitation will be from 5-7pm Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave. Prayers will be offered at 9:30am Thursday in the Zettler Funeral Home followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am Thursday, May 29, 2025, in St. Ann Church, with Fr. Larry Tharp celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. 
Memorials are suggested to St. Ann School or Church in lieu of flowers.