| Brooks A. Burkhart |
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White Funeral Home
Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. - Friday, July 24, 2026, at the White Funeral Home, Independence. Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m. – Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery, both in Independence. Visitation will continue for an hour before services, Saturday, at the church. Brooks was born August 27, 1937, in Newton, Iowa, the son of Dwight and Dorothy Burkhart. He graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1956 and continued his education at Southern Methodist University, graduating with honors in 1961. Following college, Brooks returned to Independence and joined his family’s Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership, which he later owned and operated with locations in Independence, Jesup, and Marshalltown, Iowa. As a local business owner, he was deeply committed to his community. He served on the Ford Dealer Advertising Board and was a past president of the Independence Chamber of Commerce. On May 29, 1965, Brooks was united in marriage to Hildegard Heinzmann in Independence. Together, they built a life centered on family, community, and many cherished memories. Golf was Brooks’ lifelong passion. He served on the board at the Wapsipinicon Golf Club in Independence and won multiple club championships – earning his first title at the age of 17. As a young golfer, Brooks competed in the National Junior Amateur Championship, in which future golf legend Jack Nicklaus also participated. Brooks sold the family car dealership in the early 1980s. He later worked as a sales manager at Iowa Ham Canning in Independence, before retiring in 2004. During his retirement, Brooks especially treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and took great pride in watching them grow. He also deeply valued the friendships he shared with his lifelong friends and the many memories they created together. Brooks is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Hildegard Burkhart of Independence; his children, Dr. Lauren (Scott) Dwinell of San Clemente, California, Brooks C. (Jennifer) Burkhart of Urbana, Iowa, and Tracy Hyder of Ft. Worth Texas; his grandchildren, Benjamin Dwinell, Lily Dwinell, Christian Burkhart, Maya Burkhart, Aidynn Burkhart, Charley Hyder, and Geoffrey Hyder; and his nieces Brooke Deines and Katie Deines. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister Lynn Burkhart Deines. Brooks will be remembered for his devotion to his family and his meaningful contributions to the Independence community. He valued his lifelong friendships and was known for his charismatic personality, his genuine curiosity, and his remarkable ability to listen. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and a quiet generosity that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorials may be made to the church and to Cedar Valley Hospice. Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com White Funeral Home, Independence, is caring for the family. |
