Robert E. Burdzilauskas

April 27, 1927 - February 26, 2010

Robert E. Burdzilauskas, 82, of Pana, died Friday, February 26, 2010 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was born April 27, 1927 in Pana, the son of Antone & Esther Seitz Burdzilauskas. Robert served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a store keeper and was discharged in 1948. He lived most of his life in the Pana area, and worked in the coal mines as a union carpenter for Pana #17 and Peabody #10, retiring from there. Robert was a life member and past commander of the Pana VFW #4431. He was also a member of the Pana Sportsman’s Club, United Mine Workers #9819, and past member of the Pana Elks Lodge #1261. He married Phyllis J. Blickem on September 2, 1950 in Pana. She preceded him in death on November 8, 2002.
Robert is survived by his children: Michael Burdzilauskas & wife Barbara, Pana; Nola Grace Hector, Pana; Tina Michele Burdzilauskas & companion William Spinner, Pana; 5 grandchildren: Dennis Radcliff II & wife Beth, Dublin, OH; Laura Morrell & husband Matt, Pana; Kiley & Katie Hector, Pana; and Keri Miller & husband Tim, Pana; special young man: Tyler Reatherford, Pana; 6 great grandchildren: Bostyn & Brooklyn Morrell; Connor & Sophia Radcliff; Colin Paschall; & Brylan Miller; and brothers & sisters: Mary Brown, Pana; Sharon Dilley, Pana; & Richard Burdzilauskas, Nokomis. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, 2nd Lieutenant Ryan Leduc on September 24, 2004; and brothers & sisters: Josephine Secrest, Nolan Burdzilauskas, Darwin Burdzilauskas, Shirley Snow, & Rollie Burdzilauskas.

Funeral Information

Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 2, 2010 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Allen Ebbler officiating. Burial will be in Rosemond Grove Cemetery, Rosamond with graveside military rites by VFW/American Legion AmVets Honor Guard, Pana. Friends may call on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Donations Information

Memorials may be made to the 2nd Lieutenant Ryan David LeDuc Memorial Scholarship Fund, 28356 N. 22nd Ave., Pana, IL 62557.