Joseph Burkeland, Sr.

Joseph Kevin Burkeland Sr., "Joe Cool", age 66 of Madison Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly at his home on February 24, 2017. He was born on March 26, 1950, to Elvie and Selina (Schroeder) Burkeland. After the premature death of Selina, he was raised by his mother Ella Mae McPhail.
Joe was a kind hearted, caring and generous person that was loved by many. Daily text messages and birthday serenades were his specialty; which always brought a smile to our face. Nothing was more important to Joe than his family, especially his grandchildren. He fondly enjoyed morning coffee at Denny's, pie at Perkins, cards with friends, time at the casino and his annual hunting trip.
He is survived by his children, Kristy (Ron) Heald of W. Springfield MA, Amy (Dan) Raley of Fall River, Jeff (Jody) Davis of Hephzibah GA, Joseph (Cristin) Burkeland Jr. of Deerfield, Ella (Aaronn) LaDronka of Beaver Dam and daughter in his heart Niquie (Brian) Dahl of Bakersfield CA. Grandchildren, David, Bekah, Stephen, Timothy, Matthew and Micah Heald; Morgan and Taylor Raley; Xander and Cassie Davis; Aiden, Colin, Nolan and Esmay Burkeland; Payton and Dylan LaDronka; and Kailey Dahl. Brothers, Darrell (Elena) Burkeland, Jerome (Sharon) Burkeland, Lauren (Teresa) Burkeland, Christopher Burkeland, Clarence (Rosie) Young, Steve (Shawn) Young. Sisters, Katherine (Bernie) Slater, Lannette (Jim) Cutrell, Beverly (Terry) Brinkman, Susan (Angel) Cota, Laurie (Jerry) Buss, Michelle McPhail, sister in laws Judy Burkeland and Diane Young and brother in law Robert Ohlsen. He is also dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, and special friends Jeff and Cyndy Williams.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Donna Ohlsen, Shirley (Darrell) Anderson, Peter Burkeland, Ella Mae McPhail, and David Daly.
Visitation with the family will be held at the Cress Funeral Home at 3325 East Washington Ave in Madison on Thursday, March 2nd from 4-7pm with an additional hour offered before the funeral service on Friday March 3rd from 10-11am. The Funeral service will be held at 11 am, Friday March 3rd with burial to follow in Sun Prairie Memory Gardens.
"Dad thank you for always being there for us. Your memory will live on in all the photos you took. We love you and you will live on forever in our hearts"