July 4, 1942 ~ February 11, 2022
PUBLIC VISITATION DETAILS
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
3:00 – 7:00 PM
Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Inc.
Harlan, IA
(get directions)
Family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home.
PRIVATE FUNERAL & GRAVESIDE SERVICES WILL BE HELD
SURVIVORS
1 Son – Seth (Kimberly) Burmeister of Omaha, NE
2 Grandsons – Tate Burmeister of Omaha, NE
Tanner Burmeister of Omaha, NE
2 Brothers – William Medsker of Graham, MO
Max (Janet) Medsker of Graham, MO
Other Relatives & Friends
Beverly “Bev” Ann Burmeister, the daughter of Homer and Lois (Eckels) Medsker, was born on July 4. 1942, in Graham, Missouri. She was baptized at the Graham Methodist Church. After high school, Bev attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, where she received her degree in Elementary Education.
On June 6, 1965, Bev married Jon Jay Burmeister at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa, and the couple made their home in Harlan. Bev then began her career in education at Laurel and New Park Schools in Harlan, where she had the privilege of teaching mostly first graders for over 30 years before retiring. Bev also supported Jon’s position as owner/operator of Burmeister Funeral Home, and her calligraphy work lent a personal touch to many register books through the years.
Bev was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa, as well as various other community organizations. She was actively involved in the local school’s Plant A Tree Arbor Day program, and her love of gardening fostered her long-held pastime of drying flowers for later enjoyment. Bev was a strong supporter of the Harlan Community Public Library. She also liked to spend time quilting and was known to be a good cook who could bake a great pie and make tasty pizza for her grandsons. Bev truly treasured time spent with friends and family, often attending her grandsons’ school activities, and other school, church, and community music programs.
Bev A. Burmeister died on Friday, February 11, 2022, at the Hansen House in Harlan, Iowa. She had reached the age of 79 years, 7 months, and 7 days.
Preceding Bev in death were her parents, and her husband Jon Jay Burmeister, on March 9, 2021, in Harlan, Iowa. She is lovingly remembered by one son, Seth (Kimberly) Burmeister, and two grandsons, Tate Burmeister and Tanner Burmeister, all of Omaha, Nebraska; two brothers, William Medsker and Max (Janet) Medsker, both of Graham, Missouri; and other relatives and many friends.
Public visitation was held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Harlan, Iowa. Private funeral and graveside services were also held, with Pastor Phil Nielsen of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Harlan, officiating and serving as the musician. Bev’s loving family members were her casket bearers. Burial was in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Inc., Harlan, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.
Seth and family, I am a relative of your mom’s through the Medskers. I remember one incident with Beverly. We both showed 4-H calves at St Joseph Livestock Exposition. After the calf show we would lead our calves to the slaughter. I had fallen in love with my big 1000 lb black Angus steer, and I wanted very much to cry in mourning for giving my calf up. But I didn’t dare. Farm girls don’t cry in that situation. Then I ran into Beverly, and she was quietly crying. I admired her so much for being free to do that.
Bev was my 1st grade teacher. She taught me how to read. She was such a beautiful woman. Rest In Peace.
Bev and Jon were strong supporters of my business, Farm Sweet Farm. They would come with a shopping list which always included popcorn. Then Jon would call from home where he would laugh and complain that he had “defective” popcorn – namely, he’d find an “old maid” at the bottom of the bowl. We’d all get a good giggle and then they’d be back to buy more. Loving, decent people. Gone too soon.
Seth, my husband & I came to Ft. Hood in Aug. 1968 when Jon was stationed at Ft. Hood and Burdette was stationed there after Vietnam. I remember when you were born, how excited they were and concerned when you were found to have esophageal-stomach constriction and wouldn’t stop vomiting – luckily that was easily repaired, to their everlasting relief, and you were a happy, fiesty little guy who ate with enthusiasm after minor surgery. Bev was a senior in high school when I was a freshman, so we weren’t close in school, but we became good friends during our “Texas days”. She was, always, a lady – and always a delightful one to be around. You were very blessed to have her for a mother, and I am sure your memories will bring you comfort in the times ahead. She was a wonderful person, and a blessing to all who knew her. Gayle R Bond
My cherished 1st Grade Teacher always remembered with such love, the love she poured out on us, her students. My heart goes out to you all. God bless.
My cherished 1st Grade Teacher always remembered with such love, the love she poured out on us, her students. My heart goes out to you all. God bless.
Seth and family
Your mom was a sweet kind lady. Sympathy to you.
Jon sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathies
Ken Willadsen
Dear Seth and family.
We were great friends throughout the years. She was a joy to be around and have been missed these past few years. May God give you comfort
Seth and family.
Our sincere sympathy to you. We were great friends with you folks and I enjoyed teaching
1st grade at New Park with your Mom. We enjoyed doing many things during our years
living in Harlan. We will cherish the memories. She was so proud of those grandsons.
God bless you all.
Kay & Dave Koos
Beverly and John were friends of mine while we all attended NWMSU. We have kept in touch through the many years since then. Very fun and enjoyable times. I know you must have been great parents to you Seth.
Dennis Andersen
Atlanta, Ga
404-358-0567
Our sincere sympathy goes out to Beverly’s children and family’s, Max and Janet Medsker and Bill Medsker. Beverly’s Dad and my Mom (Helen) were siblings! We were cousins! She was always so sweet!!
Seth, Kim, Tate and Tanner:
Sending our prayers and our sympathy to you. Bev was a great friend and much loved by many people and past students. Bev was always a joy to be around and with. Both Bev and Jon were such special friends.
God bless you all from Gordon & Kathy von Ahsen family
Deepest sympathy