Nellis Edward Burkhart

Beloved husband, dad, papa and friend, passed away on April 27, 2025, leaving his family and loved ones heartbroken as he made his final walk down the “River of No Return.”

Born on December 23, 1939, in Castleford, Idaho, to John Thomas and Inez Belle Burkhart, Nellis was raised in a town that became the backdrop of his childhood adventures. He grew up alongside his brother, Leon, surrounded by friends and mischief—whether pitching quarters, shooting marbles, or engaging in legendary potato fights. If only those streets could talk!

Working alongside his father and brother in their Custom Farming Business, Nellis learned the value of hard work, spending his days picking potatoes, plowing, or bucking and baling hay. Yet, adventure was never far behind.

After graduating in 1958 from Castleford High School, he answered the call of duty and joined the U.S. Navy in 1959. During high school, he met the love of his life, Loretta Hanchey, in June 1962, while on leave, they married in Reno, Nevada. Nellis inherited a big extended family that grew to love him almost as much as she did.

Upon completion of his service, they returned to his old stomping grounds, Castleford, to build a life together. From this union came three beautiful children: John Thomas, Jill Teresa, and Jeremy Todd.

For 37 years Nellis dedicated himself to the Buhl Highway District, earning the title “Million Dollar Man” for his unparalleled expertise in operating “his” road grader and any other piece heavy equipment. His contributions to the region stretched beyond pavement and roads—one of his most remarkable discoveries came at a quarry near the Snake River. There, he unearthed human remains later identified as Buhla, a Native American woman estimated to be over 10,000 years old, making her one of the oldest known humans on the North American continent. Today, her story lives on at the Herrett Center in Twin Falls.

Nellis passed down a deep love of nature, filling his children's and grandchildren’s lives with memories of camping, fishing, and hunting. After retiring in 2003, he and his Lovey Dovey embraced Idaho’s beauty, frequently traveling in “Gray Dodgey” to the Salmon River where he caught and released more steelhead than he ever kept. Each October, the couple could be found nestled in their perfect campsite along the riverbank, coffee in hand, savoring the serenity of the great outdoors. Family and friends converged on their serene campsite every year for lots of campfires, good food and laughter.

Nellis leaves behind a legacy of love, honesty and adventure, survived by his three children: John, Jill, and Jeremy (Brandy); four grandchildren: Jeremy (Molly) Hudson, Aaron (Amanda) Burkhart, Joseph Burkhart, and Hailey Burkhart; and four great-grandchildren: Mary and Wyatt Hudson, and Rayna and Gage. He also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and his cousin/lifelong friend, Bill Burkhart.

He is preceded in death by his soulmate of 56 years, Loretta, his parents, and his brother, Leon Burkhart.

Words cannot capture the depth of his love—for his family, his country, and the wilderness he cherished. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Although we are brokenhearted, we know he’s smiling as he packs up his fishing gear and moves upstream, for one last cast! A funeral service will be held on Tuesday May 6, 2025 at 11am at Rosenau Funeral Home. Interment will be held on Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 10am at Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.