Gorden Joe Burgardt, age 72, of Carl Junction, Missouri, a former Hays, Kansas resident passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at his home. After a short but courageous battle with cancer, Gorden passed away surrounded by the love of his wife. Though his passing leaves a tremendous void, those who knew him best find comfort in the countless memories he created and the example he set.
Gorden was born on July 15, 1954, in Hays, Kansas, to Norman and Alfreda “Freda” (Herrman) Burgardt.
He grew up on the family farm in Pfeifer, Kansas, where he learned the values that would guide him throughout his life. Farm life taught him the importance of honesty, hard work, humility, and lending a helping hand. Those lessons became the foundation for the husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend he would become.
He graduated from “St. Joseph’s Military Academy” Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in Hays, Kansas, in 1972. The discipline and respect he developed there remained with him throughout his life and were reflected in everything he did. Gorden dedicated more than 37 years of service to Midwest Energy in Hays, Kansas. He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family. Retirement was simply the beginning of a new chapter.
He married Pamela (Flax) Schmeidler on April 26, 1996, at St. Mary’s Parish in Ellis, Kansas. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and partnership. Side by side, they fulfilled a dream by opening The Rose Garden Banquet Hall, creating a place where families and friends gathered to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and many of life’s most precious moments. Family was always at the center of Gorden’s world.
There are some people who make a lasting impression not through grand gestures, but through the quiet, everyday ways they show their love. Gorden Joe Burgardt was one of those people. He believed in hard work, loyalty, family, and showing up for the people who mattered most. Through the life he lived and the love he gave, he built a legacy that will continue for generations.
He was the proud father of Shannon (Chris) Deitering, Chad Burgardt, and Misti Burgardt, all of Hays, Kansas. Through his marriage to Pam, he was blessed with three additional children whom he loved as his own: Lynn (Michael) Baxter of Carl Junction, Missouri; Lance Schmeidler of Hays, Kansas; and Lacey Schmeidler and Eric Petway of Durham, North Carolina.
One of Gorden’s greatest joys was supporting his children in everything they pursued. One of the greatest blessings of Gorden’s life was becoming Grandpa. His five beloved grandchildren, Aaron and Ryan Deiterin; Landon, Remi, and Tabitha Baxter; brought endless joy to his heart. He treasured every opportunity to watch them grow and celebrate their accomplishments. Whether attending dance recitals, cheering from the sidelines at soccer games, watching jiu-jitsu tournaments, or proudly attending school and church programs, Grandpa was there cheering them on.
He believed that the little moments often became the biggest memories, and there was nowhere he would rather have been then supporting the people he loved. Gorden found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Sundays often meant cheering for his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. He loved riding his motorcycle and enjoying the freedom of the open road. He enjoyed family gatherings, sharing stories, celebrating milestones, and spending time with those he loved most. He understood that life wasn’t measured by material things, but by the memories we make and the people we share them with.
Though cancer became a part of Gorden’s story, it never defined him. He faced his illness with courage, grace, and quiet strength, surrounded by the unwavering love and support of his family. His family will remember him not for the illness he fought, but for the life he lived. His absence will be deeply felt at family gatherings, at the ballpark, during football season, at karate tournaments, dance recitals, soccer games, jiu-jitsu competitions, school and church programs, and in the countless everyday moments that once seemed ordinary but are now treasured memories.
Gorden taught those around him that love is measured not only by the words we say, but by the time we give and the lives we touch. He showed his love by being present, by lending a hand, by cheering the loudest, by coaching, volunteering, encouraging, and simply being there when he was needed. His legacy lives on through his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and the many friends whose lives were made better simply because they knew him. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved. Gorden is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Burgardt; his children and grandchildren; his siblings, Glen (Lois) Burgardt, of Omaha, NE; Gay (Arlen) Werth, of Great Bend, KS; Duane (Ledgie) Burgardt of Great Bend, KS; his father-in-law, Adolph J. Flax, of Ellis, KS; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Alfreda “Freda” Burgardt; and his mother-in-law, Mary Ann Flax.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 703 Monroe Street, Ellis, Kansas, with Celebrant, Father Dana Clark.
A Rosary will be at 9:30 A.M. Saturday, and the family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. Saturday. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Ellis, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the family made payable to Pamela Burgardt in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left at the guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com