Burt would like to let you know that his work here is done and Heaven is now where he makes his residence! He received a call with the sort of offer no one can resist. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, all the benefits a person dreams of, and a blessed reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a while. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be busy socializing, hunting trophy white-tailed deer, and raising the juiciest tomatoes for Heaven’s feasts. Music, laughter, and love are guaranteed. He left detailed instructions for all of us to celebrate his mission here, which has now been completed.

Burt Douglas de Koning, 64, passed away at Bryan East Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 22, 2021. He was born to Cornelius "Neal" and Margaret (Fleck) de Koning on September 8,1956 in Pawnee City, NE. Burt was the middle son of seven brothers. He attended a one room country school, District #29, Pleasant Hill in Pawnee County and graduated from Summerfield High School in 1975. After graduating in 1975, Burt worked in many different jobs. He was a hardworking man with calloused hands. He’d rise early and greet the day; clocking a full day’s work unto the Lord. He served as a laborer, an assembly line fabricator, a caretaker for individuals with developmental delays, a correctional officer, and in union construction taking pride in the structures his hands helped build. Burt went forward to a position in C.J. Foods in Pawnee City, NE which then became Alphia. Burt officially retired on July 8, 2021 after years of service.

Burt was united in marriage on July 5, 1980 to Gloria Davis in DeSoto, Missouri. Together they had two children; Giselle and Mikala. Burt and Gloria divorced in June of 1996. After the divorce, Burt prided himself on being a loving, involved father to his two daughters. He also exhibited his spirit of volunteerism by serving on the Pawnee City School Board, the Pawnee County Historical Society Board, and organizing countless community events. Burt lived with generosity that was demonstrated by the various causes and foundations he supported throughout his lifetime. Burt had a true love of hunting, fishing, and gardening. He loved to share these passions with others. Burt participated in farmers markets where he sold his produce. He also gave away a lot of it for others to enjoy. Burt enjoyed talking about politics and current events, cheering on the Huskers and Royals, and sharing his love for God with others. The love he had for others was apparent in every thing he did. After retiring, Burt planned to purchase a camper to be closer to his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Burt: to not sweat the small stuff, to slow down and make time for others, to give with great generosity, and above all: love others like Christ first loved us.

Burt is survived by daughters, Giselle Allen and husband John of Alliance, NE and Mikala Toedtli and husband Jake of Alliance, NE, four grandchildren, Ridge, Beckett, Crick, and Eisley, brothers, Lynn de Koning and wife Cecelia of Burchard, NE, Leon de Koning and wife Nelta of Pottersville, MO, Dean de Koning and wife Denise of Pawnee City, NE, Dirk de Koning of Summerfield, KS and Carl de Koning of Pawnee City, NE. Burt was blessed with many loving brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Neal and Margaret and his brother Boyd as well as many other family members and friends.

Funeral Services 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 27, 2021 at Faith Baptist Church in Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Officiating Pastor Chris Rohrbaugh.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m., at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment at Summerfield Cemetery, Summerfield, Kansas with a potluck to follow at the Summerfield Community Center.  The service will be  lived streamed on the Wherry Mortuary/Wherry Monument Facebook page and a link to the service will be posted to the bottom of his webpage. Memorials may go to the family's choice with plans to create a Community Garden in memory of Burt.  Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.