Jeffrey Joseph Burkhardt

Jeffrey Joseph Burkhardt, known affectionately as “Frog Legs,” passed away the morning of Oct. 24, 2025, at age 82.  

He was born Aug. 30, 1943, in Evanston, Ill., to Albert C. and Hannah (nee Curran) W. Burkhardt.  

Jeff was a U.S. Navy veteran and spent most of his career working as a district sales manager for Simplicity in Port Washington, Wis. 

Jeff had a lifelong passion for antiques, particularly old bottles. He spent most of his adult life in Cedarburg, Wis., where he met and married his wife of 20 years, Jeanine Burkhardt. Jeff is also survived by his son Michael, who resides in Seoul, South Korea, and daughter Amy in Chicago, Ill. 

He used Facebook as a chance to connect with new and old friends during the past few years of his pulmonary illness, sharing his love of humor, frogs, bottles and nostalgia. 

A private gathering of friends and family will be held at a future date instead of the more traditional funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Save The Frogs or a cause committed to protecting amphibians and their habitats. 

Advice from a frog: Make a splash. Look before you leap. Don’t jump to conclusions. Enjoy a good swim. Stretch your legs often. Spend time at your pad. Hop to it!

Eernisse Funeral Home of Cedarburg is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.