Obituaries

Robin Weaver from Bartlett, IL

"Such sad news. May memories comfort you."

Ana Elizarraga from Chicago, IL

"My condolences to Denise and the Burchard family. I was fortunate to have participated in Peter's leadership workshops. I still often say, "I feel happy, I feel healthy, I feel terrific!" as we would have us do at the beginning of each session. His legacy will live on."

Sue McLaughlin from Bloomington, IL

"What a loss. Peter was one of a kind; always loved being in his presence no matter how large the room; May God bring Denise and family peace and strength."

David Real from Austin , TX

"He was the quintessential patron of our family and is irreplaceable. What an incredible man."

Linda Aavang from Woodstock, IL

"I grew up with the Burchard Family in Des Plaines. What a blast to know them. I loved the fact that there was ALWAYS another Burchard to fill a team or come" out and play"! Later I ran into Peter at Des Plaines Bible Church in our youth group- The Tentmakers. Peter, you now stand in the Heaven you lived to see in the arms of the Savior you loved. Later, my friend. Blessing and prayers Denise and Family."

Richard Williams from Lakewood Ranch, FL

"Condolences to Denise and extended family. Sharing his time in Hoffman Estates, I was impressed with his intellect, sense of humor, and sharing of stories of the cleaners, the siblings, the auctions, NIU, and balance of work and life. His approach to the last few months was to use humor to put all at ease. We enjoyed doing all the golf outings. Thanks for the memories."

Riley Lynch from Pingree Grove, IL

"My condolences to Denise and family. Peter was always a force of positivity when it came to public service and I am so fortunate to have met him. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Much love."

scott a skrycki from Gilberts, IL

"I truly cherished every moment spent with Peter. He had a magnetic personality that naturally drew people in, and on a difficult day he was the person whose presence could turn everything around. When I began my government service as an intern, he approached me and already knew my name. In the years that followed, he continued to greet me at NIU functions and various events, always taking a moment to check in. We even exchanged messages on LinkedIn during his final days.My condolences go out to Denise and her family. This is a tremendous loss, and I am certain he is smiling down on them and on the field of local government"

Jaehee Jong from Chicago, IL

"I have so many wonderful memories of Peter over the nearly ten years I knew him. He was always so kind and warm, and I especially remember his wonderful sense of humor. Whenever I joined family gatherings, department events, or other occasions, Peter always made all of us feel genuinely welcome. I will always remember his warmth, kindness, and the laughter he brought to those around him.My thoughts, love, and big hugs are with Denise and the family."

Eunju Rho from DeKalb, IL

"Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am by your loss. Peter was such a wonderful and valued part of our NIU MPA program, and his warmth and dedication touched us all. May God’s love and peace surround you and your family during this difficult time. You are in my heart and constant prayers."

Cristina Vanvalkenburgh from Ferndale, WA

"I am so sorry to hear the news! I worked in Naperville under his leadership! He was one of the most inspiring and caring person I have ever met in my career. My deepest condolences to the the family."

Bob Hamann from Putnam Illinois, IL

"Peter was a great person. City of Naperville City Manager for many years. He was very approachable. He was always interested in how the regular City employee felt. He was one reasons the City was such a great place to work. He cared about all city employees and of course the citizens."

Nina from Geneva, IL

"Peter’s contributions in his life are extraordinary and to be so humbled for his efforts. He will be dearly missed by so many people. My prayers go out to Denise, family, friends and all that he helped throughout his life on this earth."

Darlene Senger from Naperville, IL

"Peter, You will always been known for your leadership. I have been blessed to know you."

Colleen from Los Angeles, CA

"Dear Denise and all family members, I can only imagine how hard this year has been. He was one of those bright lights and his face lit up when he spoke about his loved ones. May your memories bring you all joy and peace."

Jim Steffen from Keaau, HI

"Peter was a good man who cared about employees. I’ll always remember him for defending Naperville employees from a bullying councilman."

Michael Hand from Pinckney , MI

"Such a wonderful, caring human being. We were all the better for having known, Peter. My prayers for him, Denise and the kids. Mike Hand"

from ,

"Peter brought so much warmth and positivity to the world, and his dedication to public service was inspirational to many including students and faculty at NIU. I will remember his laugh and genuine interest in people and the world around him. I am honored to have known him and will miss him his light."

Amy Connolly from Houston, TX

"In April 2019, out of the blue, I received an email from Peter. I had recently been featured in the Chicago Tribune after being fired from a Chicago-area community over an affordable housing development. We had never met, but I quickly learned who he was. He wrote, “I always smile when I think about courageous people who help build competent and ethic public service organizations. That’s you.” He went on to share reflections from his 30 years of public service and his belief that ethics is everything. We continued to exchange emails occasionally over the next few years, but those first words of encouragement came at a difficult moment in my career and meant more than he could have known. I still don’t know how Peter found my personal email address, but I am so grateful he reached out. I hope his friends and family will treasure this small story as one more example of his generosity and kindness—and the difference he made simply by taking the time to encourage someone he had never met. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I find comfort in believing we will all be reunited someday."

Reggie Bustinza from State College, PA

"So sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He was a passionate Huskie, dedicated board member, and kind person. I enjoyed many breakfasts with him and learned much from his wisdom. Deepest condolences to the entire Burchard family."

William Pryor from ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL

"So sorry for your loss. I knew Pete from King James Bible Church in Des Plaines. He was always a person I admired. He was just a friendly, genuine person."

Jasna (Lisac) Baron from Laguna Niguel, CA

"Peter and I met at the beginning of our semester abroad in Salzburg, Austria during our Junior year of college at Northern Illinois University. We quickly became good friends and, along with 4 other good friends, had a wonderful time exploring Austria and the surrounding countries. Peter was always the nicest, kindest person I knew with a great sense of humor and curiosity about life. We kept in touch over the years and I was privileged to be able to talk with him at the beginning of the year. My deepest sympathies to Denise, his beloved wife, and his children, Stephanie, Lauren and David and their families. May sweet memories ease your grief and may Peter’s memory always be for a blessing!"

Wendy and Tony from Campton Hills, IL

"Denise and family - know we stand with you at this challenging time with love and support. It's hard to know what to say - just know you are surrounded with love and we send white light. God bless."

Mike Rafferty from Naperville , IL

"My deepest condolences. I really enjoyed working with Peter. He always took time to say hi and chat."

Brad Townsend from Wood Dale, IL

"I will always remember Peter as both a friend and colleague in the world of city management and as a fellow alumnus of the NIU MPA program. He started every encounter we had with a funny quip. I was never fast enough to beat him to the punch! At the same time, he could articulate words of wisdom in-person and through social media that were spot-on.Peter's golf game was in need of improvement. But he more than made up for that as a key part of the annual golf fundraiser. He was the auctioneer at the post-round dinner for a number of years. Impressive results!Husband Peter was very attentive to wife Denise. I enjoyed being at their home for a celebration her career plus another get-together. As the years went by, Peter and I qualified for an invitation to the Retired Managers Lunch. It was another opportunity for me to be with Peter. I was reminded that Peter steps up when needed when a table umbrella was loose and at risk of falling. He got up and fixed pronto!Debbie and I offer condolences and prayers for this man of faith, for Denise, and the whole family. 🙏🙏🙏"

Karl Snyder from West Columbia, SC

"I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. While in Augusta, he was great colleague and good friend. He always was kind, knew the right things to say and do. He helped bridge differences and had great wisdom to add to any meeting. Never had the opportunity for one last friendly game of golf. Denise and Luke, my thoughts and prayers are with you."

Arthur C. Zwemke from Batavia, IL

"Peter, I am sad to learn of your passing. I am sad for your beautiful family, numerous friends and communities that you served. I read a Steve Jobs biography a few years ago and one of his sayings was “put a dent in the universe”. Peter, you did that every day with your smile, humor and intelligence. I wish I had made time to know you more! God bless!"

Steve and Gayle Smith from Aurora, IL

"Condolences to Denise and family. What a pleasure to have been Peter's friend since 1975. He was the best of humans."

Virginia M. Hayter from Laguna Hills, CA

"Peter was a straightshooter. The epItome of what a City Manager should be!I never saw him lose his cool, ever. Denise and family, thanks for sharing this special human being.Virginia"

Jim Ley from Sarasota, FL

"Peter my friend and contemporary you added much to this world and the lives of the many that you served. Rest in the arms of our Savior until we meet again."

Gil and Lore Cortez from Bolingbrook , IL

"Denise and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He was a great boss and a great deacon at church. May God Bless you all and hold you all close.Gil and Lore"

Kathy Swanson Buettner from Wheaton, IL

"Denise, I was shocked to learn of Peter’s passing. He was a wonderful person and a mentor and friend to many. He will be deeply missed. Please know that you and your family remain in my prayers. May God provide you with comfort, strength and peace during this time of grief."

Lauren Stott from CHICAGO, IL

"Denise and family, so sorry to hear about losing Peter. Sending you sympathy and love during this mournful time."