Burdett “Burdie” Ristau

Burdett was born on May 1, 1937, to Betty Jane Ristau Jones. He attended school in Bradford, PA but his heart was always in Warren with his grandparents, the late Charles and Pauline Dase Ristau. He enlisted in the United States Army before finishing high school, serving from 1955 to 1958. He was proud of his service and often talked about a mission to the Arctic Ocean, his physical fitness award, and the many friends he met while in the Army. He worked many jobs in his early years but spent 36 years at the former InterRoyal-Deluxe Storage Systems. Burdett always wished he’s have completed high school, and in 1993 he completed his GED without much effort except trying to learn algebra! He passed the test on his first try at age 56.

Burdett enjoyed the outdoors and loved to go fishing, especially at the Kinzua Dam tailwaters, hunting, trapping, and camping at Allegany State Park. Many will remember him as the man who came to every garage sale asking for old broken jewelry and watches. He had an eye for items he could repair and resell and enjoyed that greatly. He loved gardening, especially growing fresh tomatoes. He tried to recreate the peaceful atmosphere of his grandfather’s yard by planting several fruit trees in his own lawn. He collected coins and for a few years operated a small store, Ristau’s Coins and Supplies. He was great at putting puzzles together and enjoyed word-finds, playing solitaire and other card games. He liked going to the casino and trying his luck at the slots! You may remember him for singing short parts of songs, like “Hey Good Lookin’ “by Hank Williams or yodeling a short bit here and there. Simple things made him happy, like a nice piece of coconut cream pie or a small gift that someone bought him.

In addition to his mother and grandparents, Burdett was preceded in death by his daughter Wendy Nelsen, his brother Myron (Viola surviving) Jones, his close uncle and brother-in-law Franklin Ristau, close nephew Terry Ristau and his close great nephew Jacob Ristau. He was also preceded in death by several aunts, uncles, in-laws and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Left to mourn the loss of Burdett are his bride of 63 years, Nancy Lee Cable Ristau who he married on July 23, 1960, at the former Epworth United Methodist Church in Warren; his daughter Tammy Ristau, his son Todd (Carie) Ristau; his son-in-law John (Jenn) Nelsen; grandson Jonathan (Desirae) Nelsen; granddaughter Brionna Childs and her fiance Noah Colvin; great-grandsons Wesley and Sonny Nelsen. He is also survived by his brothers Lorian (Erika) Jones, Dennis (Darlene) Jones, Samuel (Peggy) Jones., and an Uncle Richard (Carol) Ristau. Burdett’s family extended to include his very close nieces and nephews, the children of Donna and the late Franklin Ristau: Kim (Kevin) Marsh, Shelle (Roger) Tubbs, Chris (Stacie) Ristau, Craig (Nancy) Ristau, and Shawn (Shelly) Ristau and their children. He is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins that were all very important to him.

Friends may call at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home Inc., 1003 Penna Ave. E., Warren, PA, from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Monday September 25, 2023, with a funeral service following at 1:00pm with the Rev. James Swanson of Pleasant Community Church, officiating.

Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Warren County, the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, or a charity of choice.

Those wishing to send condolences online may do so by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.