June 12, 1937 ~ October 19, 2021
MEMORIAL VISITATION DETAILS
Thursday, November 4, 2021
3:00-8:00 PM
Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Inc.
Harlan, IA
(get directions)
Family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Funeral Home
BURIAL OF ASHES
Harlan Cemetery
Harlan, IA
SURVIVORS
Wife – Sharon Burmeister of Harlan, IA
1 Daughter – Jean (Randy) Feldman of Harlan, IA
1 Son – Doug (Michelle) Burmeister of Harlan, IA
3 Brothers – Jerome (Rose) Burmeister of Fort Dodge, IA
James Burmeister of Harlan, IA
Philip Burmeister of Mount Ayr, IA
5 Grandchildren
6 Great-grandchildren
Beloved Dog – Hazel
Beloved Cats – Lili & Pansy
Other Relatives & Friends
Richard Harry Burmeister, the son of Harry Thede and Mena Marie (Thogerson) Burmeister, was born on June 12, 1937, at his parents’ rural Harlan, Iowa, home. He graduated from Harlan High School in 1957, and on December 1, 1957, Richard married Sharon Kay Johnson in Harlan. The couple made their home in Harlan.
Richard worked for his father at Ideal Hatchery in Harlan, a business he later purchased. He eventually renamed the business Burmeister Farm Store and expanded operations to offer farm supplies. In 1977, Richard bought Squealer Grain in Harlan and expanded Burmeister Farm Store to Persia and Portsmouth (Iowa); he operated it until he sold the grain elevator in 1996. He continued offering farm supplies until 2004. Throughout his life, Richard always remained active in various agricultural pursuits.
Richard was member of the Shriners, the Masons, and was a former member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He had served on the Harlan Industrial Foundation Board and the Harlan Municipal Utilities Board. Richard was a pilot for many years, and liked to travel. He also enjoyed reading and fishing. Time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was precious to him, as was beginning each day by sharing breakfast with Sharon.
Richard H. Burmeister died on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at his home in Harlan, Iowa. He had reached the age of 84 years, 4 months, and 7 days.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Janet Gose; and two brothers, Robert Burmeister and Jon Burmeister. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon Burmeister of Harlan, Iowa; one daughter, Jean (Randy) Feldman of Harlan, Iowa; one son, Doug (Michelle) Burmeister of Harlan, Iowa; three brothers, Jerome (Rose) Burmeister of Fort Dodge, Iowa, James Burmeister of Harlan, Iowa, and Philip Burmeister of Mount Ayr, Iowa; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his beloved dog, Hazel; his beloved cats, Lili and Pansy; and other relatives and friends.
A private family memorial service will be held with Pastor Jeff Erlemeier of Faith Family Church in Harlan, Iowa, officiating. Public memorial visitation will be held from 3:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Harlan, Iowa, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-7:00 PM. Ashes will be buried in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Inc., in Harlan, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.
Uncle Rich left a deep impression on all lives he touched. He was a man that made you smile by looking at him😊
Dear Sharon, so sorry to hear about Richard. He was a man who seemed to really enjoyed life and was very adventurous. Gary and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and the family. May he rest in peace.
Diane and Gary Weihs
My sympathy to your family. I enjoyed the time in Okoboji with him and family. He will certainly liven up heaven.
To the family of Rich, We are so sorry for your loss, Rich was always nice to talk to when Remington Seeds had his warehouse, he will surely be missed. May he rest in peace, John and Tracie Ward
Sharon I was so very sorry to hear about Richard’s passing. Please remember the wonderful memories you shared together. I understand your loss.
Praying for peace for all of you! Rich was a wonderful person and will be missed!
Love lives on! Greet the family for us; Janet, Jon, Robert and Mom and Dad. We will be along when time comes. The Lord knows your name. Prayers for a swift passage with Jesus holding your hand.
My sympathies to Rich’s family. I always enjoyed chatting with him when I worked for Remington in the warehouse he owned. He was a real down to earth guy. Will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Enjoyed some of our visits when Jerry worked for Rich. Great man of our community.
Debbie & Jerry Stendrup
Condolences and prayers for the Burmeister Family. A very good man is in Heaven. We will miss our good friend.