Bernard Burzlaff

Bernard “Bernie” Burzlaff
February 20, 1937 – October 8, 2017
Bernie Burzlaff, 80, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Sunday, October 8, 2017, in Grapevine.
Funeral: 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2017, at Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst, Texas

Bernie was born February 20, 1937, to Elma and Herbert Burzlaff in Claremont, Minnesota. He attended school in Claremont where he graduated salutatorian of the Cass of 1955. He then went on to attend Mankato State College, majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics, graduating with honors in December, 1958. He earned his Master’s Degree in Physics at the University of Wisconsin in June, 1960. He continued graduate studies and research in Physics there for several more years before moving to Akron, Ohio to work for Goodyear Aerospace. In Ohio, he enjoyed his work on Space Projects, including launch systems, the protective skin for the lunar landing module, and the parachute landing system for the return module.

In 1968, Bernie began working for General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas while attending Texas Christian University as a graduate student in Physics. He received his PhD in Physics in 1971 and then continued with the TCU Research Foundation for several more years. He concluded his career with Lockheed Martin in Grand Prairie, where he worked as a Program Manager until his retirement in 1999.
He married Joan Krueger in June 1957 and together they celebrated their 60th Anniversary earlier this year. The couple had lived in Burleson, Texas for nearly 30 years before moving to North Richland Hills in 2003. Bernie and Joan had been active members of St Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Worth for some forty years, until transferring to Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst. They enjoyed leading various bible studies and participating in the Senior Group activities. He loved and served the Lord all his life, and was a teacher and mentor to many including the local Sudanese Community.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Peace Lutheran Church, 941 Bedford-Euless Road, Hurst, TX 76053 African Immigrants Ministries (AIM). Donations can also be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO. 63141.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Mark Burzlaff and wife Amy, of Grapevine; daughter, Laurie Anderson and husband Dale, of Colleyville; four grandchildren, Allison Burzlaff of Dallas, Michael Anderson of San Jose, CA, Jonathan Anderson of Huntsville, AL, and Elizabeth Anderson of Austin; and a sister, Alice White of Grapevine.