Thomas Roger Burnikel

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved father Tomas Roger Burnikel. He was surrounded by family during his passing on Jan 30, 2024, in Twin Falls Idaho. Tom was born on April 17, 1944, to Pete and Gerry Burnikel in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Tom graduated from South High School in 1962. Following high school, Tom joined the United States Marine Corps where he served 4 years and 2 months. Tom married the love of his life Susan Mickeriz of Rumford Maine on Oct 8, 1966, in Arlington Virginia where they would also welcome their first son Marc Thomas Burnikel. In 1970, while pregnant with their second son Brian Lee Burnikel, the family moved to Twin Falls Idaho. Tom worked for the United States Post Office for 39 years where he enjoyed engaging with the public and retiring in 2002.   

Tom and family enjoyed many outdoor adventures as well as coaching his sons’ youth sports. It wasn’t until after his retirement that he discovered the second love of his life, golf. Traveling was another favorite pastime of Tom’s, including trips to Maine, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii with his boys and daughter-in-law Candace. 

While in retirement, Tom’s entrepreneurial skills kicked in, leading him to start up his own business, Tom’s Spiced Pretzels. He enjoyed the many interactions this business provided him such as spending Saturdays at the local farmers market starting in 2005 and conducting “sales meetings” at many of the local golf courses. 

Tom was active in the local NARF chapter serving as the membership chairman and a member of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU).

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Susan, and is survived by his sons Marc and Brian (Candace), his sisters Mary Hoff, Gail McHenry (Kim), brother Buck and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the many staff members at Grace Assisted Living and Auburn Crest Hospice services for their loving care. The celebration of life is planned for April 20th at Rosenau Funeral Home.