Kori Rose Burkle

Kori Rose Burkle age 3 of Nashua, IA, died peacefully Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City surrounded by her family.  Kori fought 3 hard years after being diagnosed with Pontocellebelar Hyoplasia Type 2A.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Nashua with Rev. Tom Heathershaw celebrating the Mass.  Lisa Welter, Linda Lantow, Allen Lantow, Megan Taylor, Clayton Burkle, and Garrett Burkle will be serving as pallbearers.  Ruth Bierschenk and Josie Rausch will be serving as honorary pallbearers.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation continues one hour before the Mass at the church on Wednesday.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua has been entrusted with arrangements.

Kori Rose Burkle, who was born on December 15, 2022, to Blake and Annette (Lantow) Burkle, with remarkable spirit, deep love, and unforgettable light to everyone who knew her. She was a spirited and courageous little girl whose presence filled her family’s days with meaning, laughter, and love. Though her life was far too brief, Kori lived with a strength and determination that left a lasting impression on her parents, her sister, and all who had the privilege of caring for her.

Kori was the beloved daughter of Annette and Blake and the treasured sister of Kelby. From the beginning, she was known for her strong personality and her clear sense of what she wanted. It was often said that things happened “on Kori’s time,” a phrase that came to reflect not only her independent nature but also the special rhythm she brought to the lives around her. She had a way of making her wishes known, and she did so with a charm that was all her own. Her family will always remember how she led with confidence, even in the smallest moments, and how her spirited nature made every day more memorable.

Kori loved the caregivers who walked beside her throughout her life, and she formed meaningful bonds with the people who supported her with patience and kindness. She responded to love with love, and those who cared for her were often touched by her trust, her familiarity, and her bright reactions. She was a child who worked hard and showed great resilience, meeting each day with a determination that inspired those around her. Her motto with her loved ones was, “We can do hard things,” and those words came to reflect the courage with which she approached life. Even in the face of challenges, Kori carried herself with a quiet strength that spoke volumes.

She found joy in many of life’s simple pleasures. Kori loved being outside and driving her car around, taking in the world around her with delight and curiosity. She enjoyed playing with the cats, spending time on her tablet, and listening to books with her mom and dad before bed. She especially loved suckers, which brought her simple happiness and a sweet moment of enjoyment. Kori also loved going to therapy, where she showed her willingness to try, to engage, and to do her best. She was at her best when she was in front of a crowd, and there was something especially endearing about the way she seemed to rise to the occasion when others were watching. Her spirited personality shone through in those moments, and she often captured hearts without saying a word.

Although Kori was nonverbal, she communicated in ways that were unmistakably her own. She was silly and expressive, often sticking out her tongue and moving her eyebrows in ways that brought smiles and laughter to those around her. These small but meaningful gestures became part of the beautiful way she connected with her family and friends. She had a gift for making people feel close to her, even without words, and her expressions often said everything that needed to be said. Her family will hold tightly to these memories, along with the countless moments of tenderness, humor, and love that defined her life.

Kori especially cherished sister time with Kelby, and their bond was one of deep affection and devotion. Kelby loved her sister dearly and once shared that she wanted to become a Physical Therapist when she was older so that she could help Kori. That expression of love reflected the special relationship the sisters shared, one built on care, hope, and a desire to be there for one another. Their time together was filled with connection and meaning, and it will remain a treasured part of Kori’s story. The love between them was evident in the way they enjoyed being together and in the many ways they supported each other through every season of life.

Kori’s life, though short, was rich with love, personality, and unforgettable moments. She taught those around her about patience, perseverance, and the beauty of meeting each day with courage. Her family will remember her as a child who was full of spirit, who loved deeply, and who brought joy simply by being herself. She will be remembered for her resilience, her playful nature, her love of caregivers and family, and the unique way she made her presence known in every room she entered.

Kori is survived by her parents Blake (Annette) Burkle of Nashua; sister Kelby Burkle of Nashua; grandparents: Glen (Kathy) Burkle of Waverly and Charles (Lois) Lantow of Nashua; uncles: Allen Lantow, Clayton (Maria) Burkle, and Garrett (Marin) Burkle; aunts: Lisa (Jamey) Welter, Linda Lantow, and Megan (Connor) Taylor; and cousins Logan and Leah Welter and Walter Burkle.

She was preceded in death by her great aunt Leona Eichenberger; great-grandparents: Gerald Hefel, Walter (Verna) Burkle, Robert (Elaine) Lantow, and Clarence Lansing; and three infant cousins lost in pregnancy.

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