Wilhelm “Willi” Georg Burkert
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Greece: Wilhelm (Willi) Georg Burkert passed away Monday, January 5th, 2026 at the age of 87. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Christina Burkert-Buduson, son-in-law Anthony Buduson, and step-granddaughters Kerrianne (Derek) and Katelyn (Troy). He also leaves behind his brother Gerhard (Gerda), and best friend of his last 3 years, Doris Sittig, and many other people who cared about him. He is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Gerlinde, and siblings Anna, Rudolph, and Erwin.
Willi was born in Schweinfurt, Germany, and moved to the United States shortly after getting married. He served in the US Army while learning how to speak English, studied Electrical Engineering at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and was a devoted employee for Schenck Trebel Corporation for over 30 years where he ended his career as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Willi enjoyed living life to the fullest and loved being a father. He taught his daughter to ski, play tennis, drive a stick shift, and coached her in soccer for many years. In 2017 he moved from Long Island up to Rochester to be closer to her, where he enjoyed sitting on his deck listening to the creek and feeding the wildlife in his backyard. He loved the water and spent his last few winters in Boca Raton watching the ocean from his balcony and walking on t he beach. Another passion of Willi’s was travelling which he did for both work and pleasure. He enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, sports, and was very physically active. Willi enjoyed watching hockey and was an avid NY Rangers fan. He especially enjoyed playing tennis, and you could find him on the courts up until this past fall.
Willi will be remembered for being an extremely hard worker, a kind and caring friend and brother, a true gentleman by all who knew him, youthful in looks and spirit, and his daughter’s hero. A celebration of life will be held this summer to honor him.
I can tell how much you loved your Dad.
Dear Christiana and family,
I am so very sorry dad has died.
Mom and dad and I bonded in a friendship when you and Tammy were in school together at Jericho. I remember those happy days in Selden and our peanut and butter sandwiches. May he and mom rest in peace together. Xoxo
Remembering Willi B and all the good times, laughs and meaning of family friendship. From the days of being on the soccer field to winter breaks at Ridin’ High, many good memories. Sending my love to Chrissy and Anthony, hoping our folks are getting together once again. Xoxo
I had the privilege of working with Willi for many years. We had a special bond and close relationship. He was so good to me and mentored me to grow as a person. A real gentle man. I will never forget him as he holds a very special place in my heart. May he forever RIP
Dear Christina, my condolences to you and your family. I know for a fact that passing of your dad is a huge loss. I was hired by him in 1994 and we worked together until his retirement. My daughter Jennifer loved going to work with me (when allowed). We would all sit and have pizza or Chinese food for lunch. In all of my administrative career years, he was the best boss I ever had. A perfect gentleman and terrific person. I never heard him say a bad word about another person. Such a great dresser also. When I retired in 2022, he drove down to attend my party. Who does that? He may be gone, but never forgotten!! A tremendous loss to all who knew him. Rest in Peace Willi.
Christina, I would like to be informed of the memorial service for your dad. If it’s ok. Thank you!
Met Willi in 2017 and we hit it off instantly. Willi and I shared dinners and later Doris was added. Willi was a true friend and gentleman.
I miss him already. RIP MY FRIEND
Willi became an important part of my life when he encouraged me to become a Schenck salesman. He saw something in me and guided my career. Willi was a gentleman in every sense of the word. I have many times credited him with being the person that taught me to listen, rather than talk, to achieve results. I will always think of him as so very smart and a good leader. I have missed him since since he retired.
I had the privilege of knowing Willi for many years while working for Schenck for 35 years. He always made the time to stop by the Machine shop or Quality Control to say hello to me and always had a smile on his face, rest in peace Willi. Steve Giampino Sr
I remember Willi on the tennis courts. He was a wonderful player and even a better person. We will all miss him! Nick P.
The key operative word to describe Willi was that he was a gentleman. But more than that he was a professional who treated everyone with courtesy and respect. As a Mechanical Engineer, I had the privilege of working with Willi for over 30 years. It was a pleasure to work with him on projects
For a short time we were neighbors , in the office, and our daily routine was to have a short to talk about the Rangers.
He and I were the biggest Rangers fans in the office and we did share the 1994 Stanley Cup championship.
He also would tell me about his trips to Montreal to watch the Rangers play the Canadians at the Old Montreal forum.
He also seemed to like the frog legs dinners available in Montreal.
Here’s hoping Willi is up in heaven sitting the blue seats in the old Madison Square Garden watching the Rangers play.
Enjoy the game in heaven.
When I first came to Schenck I was listed as a salesman and I attended a sales course per his direction. Later i was shifted to an application engineer with the Vibro group. Willi still wanted me to be a salesman but it was not to be. I
learned a lot from Willi in my years with Schenck
He will be sorely missed