Carl John Burkel, age 84, of Huron, SD, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Kuhler Funeral Home, Huron, SD. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. For more information, please visit www.kuhlerfuneralhome.com

Carl John Burkel was born on May 22, 1941, in Woonsocket, South Dakota, to Nicholaus and Nideen (Peterson) Burkel. At a young age, Carl’s father passed away, but Carl carried with him many fond memories of working alongside his father on the family farm; experiences that helped shape his strong sense of responsibility and work ethic. Carl grew up on a farm near Woonsocket and later moved into town, where he attended school and graduated from Woonsocket High School.

Following high school, Carl enlisted in the United Stated Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, and received additional training at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL. He was later stationed in Duluth, MN, where he worked on jet engines with the 148th Fighter Wing. Carl was honorably discharged in 1965.

Carl met Dianna Rae Bauman at a dance at Ruskin Park, and they were later united in marriage on July 19, 1961, at St. Wilfred’s Catholic Church in Woonsocket, SD. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage. Following his military service, the couple moved to Huron, SD. Carl worked for Beadle County, spent 17 years as a diesel mechanic with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, later as a truck driver for Aughenbaugh Farms, and was self-employed as an auto mechanic.

Carl enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting as well as camping in the Black Hills with his family, always accompanied by a loyal companion. He loved playing pinochle and cribbage, especially when matched with a worthy opponent. Quick-witted and gifted with words, Carl was known for his sharp humor. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and delighted in sharing his love of coffee with his great-grandchildren.

A devoted and generous father, grandfather, and friend, Carl was always the first to help, whether fixing something, lending his knowledge, or simply being there. His kindness and deep love for family will be remembered always.

Carl is survived by his four children: Thomas (Dawn) Burkel of Huron and their six children; Dawn (Cully) Lechner-Conn of Aberdeen and their five children; Jody (Greg) Spaugh of Dell Rapids and their three children; and James (Billie Jo) Burkel of Cavour and their two children; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Janet (Laural) Voorhees and Margaret (Mike) Moody, both of Woonsocket, SD; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dianna Rae; son-in-law Kelup Lechner, grandson Bryce; great-granddaughter Grace; brother Donald (Donna) Burkel; sister Lena Ann Burkel, sister-in-law, Janet (Ron) Rust, brother-in-law Richard (Brigid) Bauman.