Jarrett Berg Burkholder
Jarrett Berg Burkholder, 15, of Elburn died suddenly, Monday, March 3, 2003, in an auto
accident. An icy patch of road claimed Jarrett's heartbeat in an instant but his life
continues forever in the hearts of countless friends and family who will never forget this
remarkable young man.
Jarrett was born January 3, 1988 in St. Charles the son of Bob and Donna (Berg)
Burkholder. The family made their home in North Aurora until 1990 when they moved to
the present family home near Elburn.
From his childhood, Jarrett poured himself into life with startling energy, boundless
dreams and studious determination. Like other boys, he loved soccer, baseball and
basketball but athletics were just appetizers in Jarrett's gifted life. When he decided
to take up in-line skating, he educated himself on the Internet; bought plans and, together
with his father built a half-pipe and other ramps to hone his skills.
He began playing chess as an eighth grader and before the end of the next school year
was ranked as one of the top freshman in the state of Illinois. He played against
international masters on the Internet, took lessons from champions and was poised to
become one himself. Most recently he had set out to learn break dancing. With a helmet, a
polished floor and loud music in the background, he was captured by a video camera as he
practiced continuously until mastering spin after spin.
Not intimidated by anything or anyone, Jarrett had also learned the value of
self-respect. He was especially proud of the physique he had built up in the past year,
muscles that rippled and a smile that was proud of it. Jarrett was a self motivating
achiever but not a loner by any means. He drew others with him and enjoyed seeing
friends achieve their goals, too.
Jarrett earned A's and A+'s in biology and algebra courses that were years ahead of his
class. He was ahead of his time in so many ways, and now he is ahead of everyone.   There
is no doubt that he is still cheering for friends and challenging the angels to the chess
game of their lives.
He joins his paternal grandfather, Glen Burkholder, who preceded him in death
in 2002; and his brother Andrew, who followed him in death Wednesday
afternoon.
He is survived by his parents; his paternal grandmother, Jewell Burkholder of Port
Charlotte, Fla. and maternal grandparents Gale and Mary Ellen Berg of Casselberry, Fla;
three paternal aunts and uncles, Bev (Bob) Paul of Rochelle, Bill (Susan) Burkholder of
Elwood and Jim (Joan) Burkholder of Loganville, Ga.; six maternal aunts and uncles,
Howard (Irene) Berg of Spring Hill, Fla., Alan (Veralee) Berg of Phoenix, Ariz., Dennis
(Avis) Berg of Rochelle, Steve (Mary) Berg of Orlando, Fla., Ron (Liz) Berg of Algonquin
and Diane Berg of Casselberry; a "plethora of cousins" and a community of good friends.
A combined memorial scholarship fund has been established.