Theresa A. Burkhalter

Theresa Amanda Clara Burkhalter was called home to her Heavenly Father on January 3, 2017. Theresa was born on January 2, 1909 to Henry and Theresa Behnisch of Cedarburg, Wisconsin and was the youngest of nine children. A harness maker by trade, her father owned his own shop on the corner of Washington Avenue and Mill Street in Downtown Cedarburg. The family home was attached to the harness shop, and it was there that Theresa and her eight older siblings were raised. Theresa attended First Immanuel Lutheran School, where classes were still being taught in German. After finishing eighth grade, Theresa went to work at Alston Department Store in Cedarburg. During the Depression, she worked both at the A&P and the Cedarburg Woolen Mill. On June 6, 1936, Theresa married Albert Burkhalter, and in December of 1938, the couple welcomed their only daughter, Claire. Contributing her longevity to a daily glass of Mogen David and her faith in God, Theresa was the oldest living person in Ozaukee County. Her life experiences could fill a history book. In her 108 years, Theresa experienced the Roaring Twenties, the Prohibition, Women’s Suffrage, the Great Depression, both World Wars, the Cold War, the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars, the Civil Rights Movement, the War on Terror, the War in Iraq, Twelve Constitutional Amendments, Nineteen U.S. Presidents, and the addition of five Stars to the American Flag. Theresa lived out her final days at Rosewood Manor in Grafton, surrounded by her loved ones and nurturing caretakers. She leaves behind daughter, Claire (the late Richard) Fox, granddaughters, Cindy (Dan) Filter, Chris (Clay) Schilder, Dawn (Scott) Moore, and Deb (Nick) Balistreri, and great-grandchildren, Jordan Filter, Liz and Erin Schilder, Cory, Troy and Dana Moore, and Evan and Owen Balistreri. But perhaps more importantly, she now joins her husband, Albert in Christ’s eternal glory. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2017, 11 AM at First Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Cedarburg. In state on Saturday, at the church, 9:30 AM until the time of service. She will be laid to rest at Zur Ruhe Cemetery, in Cedarburg. Memorials to First Immanuel Ladies Aid or to First Immanuel Lutheran School are appreciated.