Jo Anne Burkhard
October 5, 1954 ~ August 24, 2023
JoAnne Burkhard passed peacefully from this life in her sleep on the morning of Thursday, August 24th, 2023. She had been recovering well at home from open heart surgery performed on August 3rd since her release from St. Vincent/Ascension Heart Hospital on August 11.
JoAnne’s creativity, compassion for others, and love for LIFE were expressed in every aspect of her life. She was an artist for all of her life. In 2019, she moved her painting from her homes studio to the Stutz Building in Indianapolis. Her paintings were shown in many juried shows in Indiana galleries and she won many awards. Commitment to family was the top priority for JoAnne. She raised 5 daughters and was a great Mom. And she was a fun and creative grandma for her 7 grandchildren. JoAnne was a constant companion and best friend to her surviving husband, David for 34 years (m. Sept. 17, 1988). After completing her MSW from the IU School of Social work and becoming licensed as an LCSW, she joined David in private practice and in 2005, formed Burkhard Counseling, where psychotherapy services were offered by both of them. JoAnne and David loved travelling and encountering Nature in the outdoors – Giant Redwoods at Muir Woods and Humboldt Redwood preserve, the Big Sur coastline, Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, numerous trips to North Carolina near Asheville and Mt. Pisgah, several visits to Sedona, AZ, the Smokey Mountains, numerous spots along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Niagara Falls, and much more. JoAnne was a gardener and loved to witness butterflies, hummingbirds and hummingbird moths, squirrels, and all kinds of flowering plants in the gardens in her front and back yard. She was not a religious person, but was a spiritual person who was inspired by the Wonders of Creation. Many of her paintings reflect a young child that lived within her. She drove a red Mini Cooper with white stripes, top and mirrors.
JoAnne is survived by her older siblings Marilyn Hess, Kathleen Riley, and Mike Rogers, her husband, David J. Burkhard, and daughters Molly Keshena, Elizabeth Keshena, Kelly Guinan (from her deceased first husband Gary Keshena),and Annie Burkhard and Katie Burkhard. Her grandchildren are Matthew Profit (Molly), Samuel, Nathan and Francis Gillihan (Elizabeth), and Isabel, Max, and Abby Guinan (Kelly).
Visitation will be held from 1-3p.m. on Sunday, August 27 at JoAnne’s home at 7110 S. East Street with a Celebration of JoAnne’s life service at 3p.m. All are welcome to join family and close friends with a meal following the service. Parking is available across the street at St. John’s United Church of Christ.
Services entrusted to O’Riley Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.
Please visit www.OrileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Dave: Deb and I are so sorry to hear about JoAnne’s passing. Our condolences to you and your family.
Dave, willy and I are sadden to hear about the passing of Joanne. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers
Dave, Dan and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of JoAnne. She was a lovely person. We enjoyed your concerts so much that were held in your backyard when you were our neighbors.
Our deepest sympathies for your entire family. May perpetual light shine upon her. Sending love.
The Wheat Family
Jo Anne was a great light ….now gone …and Mary Ellen Bock and Decker Walker family offer condolences
Jo Anne was the bees knees in every way…that twisty sense of humor, her ability to express wonder through her art, her deep integrity and kindness.
Her friendship meant the world to me.
Sending so much love and many hugs to each of you.
Vondono
I did not know Jo Anne well, but I knew David from St. Christophers CCD. David, my heart goes out to you and your kids,
and I am praying for strength for you all. My family was at your house several years ago for a wonderful party and I
remember how talented JoAnne was and what a wonderful painter she was. Our deepest condolences.
Cindy, Mike, Joshua and Jacob Sebek
Our deepest sympathy to Joanne’s family. We were not fortunate enough to know her, but were friends with her daughter, Kelly. We love you, Kelly, and send kind thoughts and prayers for all of your family.
My dear neighbor & friend from back in the day – years ago. So sad for all the daughters (Molly, Biz & Kelly might remember Bosart Ave) & especially praying for David. You are in my thoughts as you begin this grief journey. Holly Irwin ( Kelly & Karen’s mom)
Sending compassion and love to David and Joanne’s entire family in this time of deepest sorrow and loss. I am holding you in the Light of healing in this time of grieving.
Niece, Allison Klusman, loved JoAnne. We all loved JoAnne! We loved that she lived “in the present” when we visited, as if time spent with us was the most important part of her day, not to mention her unconditional acceptance. This was especially demonstrated with her relationship with Allison, an adult with autism. When we visited from Michigan, there were typically large groups which resulted in Allison finding an area away from others. But, JoAnne would invite Allison to join her or sit with her. Allison welcomed happily; and even though they were nonverbal for the most part, Allison enjoyed the connection they had with each encounter. When we would leave Grandma’s, she would say upon leaving, “JoAnne”! This was testimony of how JoAnne was beloved and sent a clear message of “Can we visit JoAnne now?!” (We often took respite at Dave and JoAnne’s during our trips.)
I can think of no greater gift than the generous offering of “time.” Our memories of those moments with JoAnne, the time she set aside for us when we visited, her time shared with us, will be forever treasured.
On a more personal note, I enjoyed her focus and attentiveness to details that were missed by many. Gosh, I’ll miss you: our conversations, your understanding of so much on a deeper level, and the laughter we shared. Some great memories! I’m so grateful for each! Love to brother, David, Molly, Elizabeth, Kelly, Annie and Katie, and her sisters/brother and their families.
Hi Dave & Family:
This is hard to write a memorial note to & for someone Jenny & I both loved, but we can’t help express our sorrow as well as the great memories of JoAnne at your shows cuz we thought of her as a WONDERFUL FRIEND as well as AN AMAZING ARTIST!! It’s been a while since we’ve seen Y’ALL, but never forgotten!!!! We wish '’GOD'’ to be KIND to JOANNE & Hope & Pray she’s enjoying '’HIS'’ HEAVENLY HOME NOW!!!!
'BLESSINGS'!!!
I was so saddened to hear of JoAnne’s passing. I enjoyed getting to know JoAnne while taking the IFS class, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her and viewing her artwork last year at the backyard concert. My heart goes out to you David, and your children and grandchildren for your loss.
Dave, I am so sorry to hear about JoAnne’s passing. I know it has been a rough year but I pray your faith and memories bring you peace.
I’m so sorry to see your life end so soon. I’ll always cherish all our fun memories and babysitting Molly while you and Gary had a date night. I also have the best memories after you n Dave were married and lived on the east side with all the girls .You were an incredible artist and happy I was able to celebrate some of you accomplishments at the Stutts with you. I’m grateful for our lovely conversation right before your surgery. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to see you after recovery. You’ll always be in my heart and my fond memories.
Rest in Heaven Aunt Joanne
Love you!
Kimberly
David, We are so sorry we are unable to be at JoAnne’s Celebration of Life today! Know that are hearts are with you! We hope to see you as soon as you’re able to get in touch. God Bless and RIP!
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sending hugs and prayers.
I stumbled upon this obituary for JoAnne Burkhard and couldn’t help but cry watching the video tribute. Years ago, JoAnne provided multiple counseling sessions for me as her patient as I’d endured some PTSD with my current life’s situation. Her calm voice, expressions of compassion and words of help got me through some dark times. She left a lasting impression on me for certain, and I’ll always be grateful for my connection with her. I felt that even upon my first visit as I pulled up to the residence behind my kindergarten location in 1968, St. John’s Church. Prayers and comfort extended to her family. God bless.