About Us
About Us
Keith Burkholder has dedicated nearly four decades to serving families in McBain and the surrounding communities. A lifelong resident of Missaukee County—aside from the years he spent pursuing his education—Keith was born in Cadillac, raised in Lake City, and has always maintained strong ties to the region he calls home.
His educational path led him through Northwestern Michigan College, Lansing Community College, Michigan State University, and ultimately Wayne State University, where he earned his Mortuary Science degree in 1971. Keith and his wife, Norma (formerly Kitchen-Brown), were married in 1966 on Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City. Their family grew to include four children—Angela, Michelle, Heather, and Kevin—who have since blessed them with twelve grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. All four children attended McBain Schools and chose to remain local, further rooting the family in the community.
Keith’s early work experience included time in the automotive industry at an Oldsmobile plant in Flint. He later completed his apprenticeship at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home in Lansing, where he developed a deep commitment to precision and high standards—principles he carried throughout his career. He then joined Brown Funeral Home in Flint before returning to Missaukee County in 1974 to work for Veldsma-Young Funeral Home. Keith eventually purchased the business, establishing Burkholder Funeral Home. In 2013, he opened Burkholder Family Funeral Home, becoming the only funeral home in the region legally recognized under that name.
Over the years, Keith has been actively involved in local civic life, including service on the McBain City Council, participation in the McBain Chamber of Commerce, and work as a first responder for the community. Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors.