Harold D. Burch

Mankato Mortuary 1001 N. Riverfront Drive Mankato, Minnesota 56001 507-388-2202 Harold D. Burch, age 86 of Mankato, died peacefully, Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Pathstone Living. Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 8th at 11 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato, with Pastor Michelle Hargrave officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, November 7th from 4-7 at Mankato Mortuary. A private burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery will follow a fellowship luncheon at the church. Harold was born September 9th, 1928 to Harry and Florence (Coonrod) Burch in Vernon County, Missouri. He was raised on the family farm in Garland, Kansas. He graduated from Ft. Scott High School in Ft. Scott Kansas, and went on to earn a degree in music education at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS, as well as a Masters degree in Music Education, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Kansas. He taught Music and was a musical director in elementary and secondary schools in Kansas from 1950-1966. In 1958 he married Dolores Elaine Reilley in Rexford, KS. They were blessed with two daughters, Stephanie and Angela. After teaching Music at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan, the family moved to Mankato, where he was a faculty member in the MSU - College of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from 1969 to his retirement in 1995. During his tenure there, he was co-director of Center for Personal development in Teaching, department chairperson, on the board of directors for the United Christian Campus center, co-developed the Lab District of Teacher Education, assistant director of Project HEED. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was a Mason of over 50 years, and long-time member of Centenary UMC. He enjoyed music especially his time with the Summit Singers, Centenary Sanctuary Choir and the Mankato Municipal Band. Harold had a passion for reading, genealogy research, and his memoir writing group. He enjoyed fellowship with Methodist Men, and going to coffee with fellow retired colleagues. He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Stephanie Gilman (Jerry) of Eagan; and Angela Schultz of St. James; and beloved grandchildren, Sam and Casey Gilman, and Rachel Schultz. He is also survived by a brother-in law and two sisters-in law, as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores; brothers, Cliff and Dwight; sister, Elizabeth, and parents.