Paul Roman Burghardt

Paul Roman Burghardt, son of the late John and Marion (Nachreiner) Burghardt was born on September 15, 1964 in New Ulm, Minnesota. At age 9 he and the family moved to rural Springfield. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1983. Known and feared in the Tomahawk Conference and Region 3A for his left-handed pitches, he pursued his talent for baseball at various colleges, including Normandale Community College, Clarinda Community College and Ball State University. In 1984, Paul was drafted in the 15th round by the Minnesota Twins.  While the major league did not materialize, he continued to play town-team baseball for several years, representing Springfield, Leavenworth and Stark.

On March 14, 2001 Paul was united in marriage to Ann Grotegeers in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The couple then moved to Rolla, Missouri.

Paul worked primarily as a commercial truck driver in both Missouri and Minnesota. He pondered taking over the family commercial honeybee business. He moved back to the family farm north of Springfield in Brookville Township in 2018 and acquired the farm after the death of his father this past spring.

Throughout his life, he was known for his soft-spoken manner and empathetic nature. His hobbies included pheasant hunting and bird watching. But more than anything, Paul was a devoted father. He loved spending time with his daughter and grandchildren sharing stories, playing games, and watching their favorite TV shows. He was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter the challenges they faced.

Paul died on December 9, 2024, at Sleepy Eye Medical Center at the age of 60.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; daughter, Samantha; grandchildren - Layla, Aubrey, Roman and Willow all of Rolla, Missouri; brothers - Tom of Ankeny, Iowa,  Curt (Sharon) of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, James of Wheaton, Illinois; niece Brenna and nephew Mitch; and many aunts and uncles.  Paul was preceded in death by his parents and numerous aunts and uncles.