Jonathan Herbert “Jon” Burdsall, 74, passed away on April 8, at his home in Helena MT.
Jon was born in Cincinnati Ohio to Herbert James and Jeanne (Dutiel) Burdsall on June 29, 1947. He graduated from Custer County District High in 1965. Jon served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1969 as a Machine Gunner on a River Patrol Boat. He served throughout the Mekong and Bassac rivers and assorted canals and waterways on the Mekong Delta with River divisions 533 and 551.
He married Patty Weiter in 1972 (later divorced) and was blessed with 3 children: Aaron in 1976, Sarah in 1977 and Matthew in 1978. Jon later married the love of his life Helen Peck-Burdsall in 1993 and they spent 28 wonderful years together.
He worked as a field technician for Wang Labs which eventually relocated him from Boise Idaho to Helena Montana in 1988. Later he worked for Student Assistance Foundation, retiring in 2011.
Jon was an avid motorcyclist; he was known to ride his bike “Goose” (Moto Guzzi) in all types of weather. He loved fishing with the boys, going to museums with Helen, and traveling to see new places. He was an avid SI-FI fan and would stay up all hours of the night reading, even dressing up a time or two for MisCon. He was a dedicated father and grandfather.
Jon is survived by his wife Helen Peck-Burdsall, sister Hanna Barrett and her husband Jim of Fort Hays Kansas, his sons Aaron (Angie) and Matthew (Miranda), grandchildren Jasmyn Burdsall of Stanford California, Kaelen Burdsall (Nick Johnson) of Mesa Arizona, as well as Caleb Burdsall, Talon McEwen, Madden Burdsall and Marley Burdsall, all of Helena MT and Great Granddaughter Olivia Johnson.
Jon is preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Herbert Burdsall and his daughter Sarah Burdsall.
Viewing will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 15th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A memorial service celebrating Jon’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 16th at the funeral home. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday April 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
1 p.m.
Saturday April 16, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday April 16, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday April 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
1 p.m.
Saturday April 16, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday April 16, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Margaret Novak says
Jonny was my friend in high school. I loved singing in our high school choir with him. He was the only friend I had who played the guitar, and listening to him play and singing with him when he did was so good! I know he suffered through these past few years, and my sympathy goes to those of you who loved him and helped him through those years.
Jennie Herrin says
These past years, I had the unique opportunity in sharing one on one time with Jon. Even though he was struggling with his health, he was always humble & kind. He never hesitated in speaking of his fierce love for Helen, his pride for his boys & his desire to have more stamina for his grandchildren. He had an unwavering believe in his country, the good ol’ U.S.A.
Well Jon— go ahead now & ride “Goose” as fast & furious as you want up there on those golden 2 lane highways.
Steve Ford says
RIP Jon. Go ride that big Guzzi in the sky!!! Lots of good times every year at the Broken Arrow Rendezvous. I’ll miss you buddy!!!
💯💚🤍❤💯
Julie Massaro says
I had the pleasure of working with Jon for several years at MHESAC/SAF. I enjoyed our conversations, our common admiration for the Packers and his wonderful hugs!
My condolences and love to his family.
RIP Jon…..you will be missed.
SHARI HAUX says
Helen and family, I loved seeing John each time we visited. He always had such a special smile.
Condolences to All
Lowen Nunn & Louann Rogers says
He will be missed by a lot of fellow vets. Thank you Jon for your service
Doug & Teri Zook says
Jon was a classmate at Miles City CCHS. Everyone liked Jon. He was a good friend to Doug and me.
Jane (Roberts) Shores says
Jon was a high school friend, church MYF friend. We had a lot of fun times! He drove an old station wagon as I recall. Dated one of my good friends and some of us played a few pranks on them. He was always a good sport! So sorry for loss, I’m sure it’s a great loss!
Rusty and Pat Callbeck Harper says
Dear Burdsall family,
We were sorry to hear that Jon passed away at far too young an age. We knew him back when we Harpers were children (Rusty, Hal, Steve, Nancy and the now-deceased Jannie) because both our fathers were United Methodist ministers.
Herb and Jean Burdsall were friends with our parents, George and Dorothy Harper. We would see Jon and Hannah at places like Pastor School. To the best of Steve and Nancy’s memories, there was a “marriage ceremony” between our brother Steve and Hannah when they were both little redheaded children. Brother Hal thinks this might have been in Simms (?)
We send our condolences to Jon’s family. He came from good stock and we have no doubt he passed that on to friends and family alike.
With our love and care, The Harper Family
Rusty and Pat, Hal and Janet, Steve and Pam, Nancy and Michael and our families
Jim Cross says
Jon and I worked together for years at SAF. He was a dear friend and collogue and we would always talk about his trips on his Guzzi. Helen – I’m so very sorry for your loss. I wish I could attended his sendoff and his final “ride” to heaven. Jon my friend – rest in peace.
Jim & Brenda Cross
Mark Rockwell says
I met Jon and we became friends and roommates when he returned home (then Topeka) from Vietnam. He suffered at length from the invisible wounds of combat trauma which adversely affected his life in some ways. Yet he found happiness and meaning overall. Well, he wouldn’t want to make a big deal out of it, so rest in peace forever Jon.