Martha Burmeister

Martha Mauch, daughter of Edward and Elsie (Faatz) Mauch, was born August 10, 1916 in Dallas, South Dakota, where she grew up. She lived for a time in a sod home. She graduated from Milboro High School in Milboro, South Dakota. On May 9, 1939, she was united in marriage to Archibald Burmeister in Chokio, MN. The couple made their home one mile west of Chokio, where they farmed and raised their children. Martha was also a caregiver; she cleaned homes, babysat and worked at Nelson’s Store and Fingerhut. Archie died in 1981. Martha continued to live on the farm until she moved into Chokio in 1997. She became a resident of West Wind Village two years ago, where she has continued to live until the time of her death.

Martha was a long time member of the United Methodist Church in Chokio, MN, where she was active with the Bible study group and the women’s society. She was also a member of the Baker Homemakers’ Club. Martha enjoyed embroidery, needlework, quilts, collecting elephants and playing skipbo. She liked tending to her garden, rock garden and her flowers. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with family and friends.

Martha died on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at West Wind Village in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 93 years.

She is survived by five children: Grace (Jim) Gillies of Kasson, Harvey (Millie) Burmeister of Roseville, Marv (Merrily) Burmeister of Bemidji, Jerry (Sue) Burmeister of Minnetonka and Jo (Jim) Elliott of Fort Collins, CO; ten grandchildren: Mike Gillies, Robert Gillies, Jan (Corey) Bachman, Nancy Burmeister, Brian Burmeister, Jason Burmeister, Gerald Burmeister, Amy Burmeister, Denise (Matt) Wells and Jimmy Elliott; six great-grandchildren: Billy Gillies, Kimberly Burmeister, Sage Johnson, Ivan Hermanson, Eliyahu Janzen and Chanah Janzen; seven brothers and sisters: Marg Ruwe of Botovia, IL, Ervine Mauch of Maringo, IL, Rich (Delores) Mauch of Chokio, Edwin (Ruth) Mauch of Dundas Ontario Canada, Edith (Roy) Black of Portland, OR, Edna (Harold) Hansen of Isanti and Al (Jean) Mauch of Chokio and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; grandson: Kent Burmeister; her parents; three sisters: Esther Budicin, Lydia Nash and Lois Riley; three brothers-in-law: Tony Budicin, Paul Ruwe and Pete Anderson and one sister-in-law: Isabelle Mauch.

Pallbearers for the service are: Mike Gillies, Robert Gillies, Brian Burmeister, Jason Burmeister, Nathan Burmeister and Beth Burmeister. Honorary pallbearers are: Jan Bachman, Nancy Burmeister, Gerald Burmeister, Jimmy Elliott, Denise Wells, Amy Burmeister, Mary Jo Mauch and Shelly Ibes. ___ will serve as pianist for the service with ___ serving as soloist. Amy Burmeister will provide special music on the trumpet. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.