Austin Ryan Burkhart departed this earthly world on the morning February 19th, 2024, holding hands with his family and friends at Bryan Medical Center Hospice in Lincoln, Nebraska following a brief illness. He was 30.

To know Austin was to enjoy the company of a uniquely compassionate soul who was not only able to become fast friends with anyone he met; but also nurture those relationships for a lifetime. He had a gift for bringing people together, keeping everyone in his life connected. Even though he had moved to Nebraska several years earlier to build a life together with his beloved wife Sami, he made it a point to return to Ohio several times a year to visit with grandparents on both sides of his family, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. His most recent trip was over 4th of July weekend 2023, where he helped coordinate a birthday celebration for his dad. Austin kept everybody on their toes and belly laughing with his quick wit and often unexpected humor all weekend. It was the perfect family reunion.

In Austin’s younger years he enjoyed running Lexington High School Cross Country and swimming competitively on several leagues. But his favorite days were always spent in the woods behind his childhood home with his dad and his brother, walking and riding bikes around the neighborhood. Austin was happiest when he was surrounded by family, outdoors, and especially with an animal in his arms.

After graduating from college and moving to Nebraska to start a career in information technology, Austin had developed quite a talent for bowling and participated in league events with his wife and friends. He had also discovered a passion for travel. He had especially fond memories of a recent trip to the Bahamas with nearly 20 members Burkhart family, where he and his brother Aaron found dozens of starfish in a small cove and then teased his uncle Dan mercilessly about not being able to find nearly as many. There were countless adventures with family including a special trip with just him and his Aunt Jenny to Arizona; running out of gas and tossing rocks while waiting for a rescue. Austin always looked forward to his weekly “adventure day” with Aunt Sue, one of which included meeting Jack Hanna. These precious memories serve as happiness anchors to comfort and guide us as we continue to honor his legacy.

Austin is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart Mrs. Sami Burkhart. Parents Mark Burkhart and Missy Blake. Laurie Gledhill-Burkhart. His Brother Aaron Burkhart and Fiancé Mary Dilworth, Grandparents Bill and Barb Burkhart, and Loren and Carol Gledhill. Aunt Susan Burkhart DVM and Adam Moyer. Aunt and Uncle Jenny and Dan McGovern, and Uncle Ken and Joy Gledhill. He was especially close with each of his cousins Madi and Josh Mueller, KJ and Kai McGovern, Cody, Zach, and Shelby Gledhill. Austin has family members and friends in Ohio and Nebraska who he deeply loved and and are far too numerous to mention.

Austin’s celebration of life will be held on his birthday, Thursday March 21 2024 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church recreation hall, in Galion Ohio from 2-4pm. A private burial with family will take place at another time. We invite you to join with us in celebrating Austin’s life and honoring his memory on his 31st birthday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a charity of your choice, or to the community cat spay/neuter cat program we are coordinating through Animal Medical Center of Ontario, Ohio in Austin Burkhart’s name. Thank you all for the outpouring of love and support our families have received during this difficult time.

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