Marilyn Burmeister

Marilyn Burmeister, "Forever 21" (83), of Atlantic, passed away Monday, January 4, 2016, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Marilyn Lou was born on November 10, 1932, in Storm Lake, Iowa, the daughter of George Carl and Malinda Emma Bertha (Richter) Burmeister. As a child she looked forward to visit's at her grandparent's farm to ride horses and enjoy the meal of her choice on her birthday. One year this "meal" only consisted of grandma's homemade whip cream! She attended school in Storm Lake and graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1948.

Following graduation she went right to work for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Storm Lake where she was a phone operator. During her employment at the phone company she lived and trained in other towns throughout Iowa, and had been promoted to Chief Operator. Atlantic was one of those towns, and it soon became Marilyn's home. She had over 30 years of service when Northwestern Bell closed. She also worked for McCauley Schuler Insurance Agency and Farm Bureau. Marilyn never considered herself retired, and volunteered for many organizations in Atlantic. She loved giving back to her community and could be found helping out at Community Dinners, Meals on Wheels, and UnityPoint at Home just to name a few. Marilyn spent 10 years from October to December helping with Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), in which she was awarded a governor's award for her efforts. She also gave her time and was president of the Pioneers, which was the phone company's outreach branch to serve in the community.

She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, knitting, embroidering, and reading. Marilyn looked forward to visiting over a cup of coffee with her friend, Bette, whom she met while working at the telephone company. Even though Marilyn didn't have a family of her own, she played a hand in raising her nieces and nephews. They will be forever grateful for her love and guidance. She always found time to travel which included visiting Europe, Australia, Ireland and Fiji. Her sister-in-law, Jan, will treasure the time spent on their outings. Even after her health declined she was adamant that she would be "Forever 21."

Marilyn will be deeply missed by her sister, Carol (Armando) Medina of New Orleans, LA; brother, Fred (Dixie) Burmeister of Grand Junction, CO; sisters-in-law, Jan Burmeister of Atlantic, IA and Shirley Burmeister of Storm Lake, IA; nephews, David (Melissa) Burmeister and Myers (Ina Ohnmeiss) Burmeister; nieces, Wendy (Doug) Lemke, Cynthia (Jack) Sibley, Michelle (Gary) Schaefer, Julie (Scott) Lingle, Tracy (Jeff) Walters, Robin (Tom) Martin, Melissa (Manuel) Burmeister-Lora, and Virginia (Richard) Melchoir; many great and great-great nieces and nephews; and her best friend for over 50 years, Bette Fancolly.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Richard Burmeister, Don Burmiester and Gordon Burmeister; and sister-in-law, June Burmeister.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2016, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m., Friday, January 8, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic, with a brunch immediately following in the fellowship hall.

An additional visitation with the family will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 8th at the Sliefert Funeral Home and Crematory in Storm Lake. Burial will be held at 3:30 p.m., Friday at the Storm Lake Cemetery in Storm Lake, Iowa.

The family suggests memorials to Community Dinners, Meals on Wheels, or to the family for a scholarship to be given in Marilyn's name.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Marilyn's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN MEMORY OF
Marilyn Burmeister
BORN
November 10, 1932 ~ Storm Lake, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
January 4, 2016 ~ Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 83 years, 1 month & 25 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
9:00 a.m., Friday, January 8, 2016
First United Methodist Church ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Reverend Melissa Warren

MUSICIAN
Heidi Hinman
“On Eagle’s Wings”
“I Am the Bread of Life”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“In the Garden” #314
“Amazing Grace” #378

CASKET BEARERS
Myers Burmeister
David Burmeister
Jeff Walters
Tom Martin
Doug Lemke
Gary Schaefer

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Matthew Lauer
Ben Martin
Nick Furness
Benjamin Lora

INTERMENT
3:30 p.m., Friday, January 8, 2016
Storm Lake Cemetery ~ Storm Lake, Iowa

The family invites you to join them for brunch in the
fellowship hall immediately following the funeral service.

The family suggests memorials to Community Dinners,
Meals on Wheels, or to the family for a scholarship
to be given in Marilyn's name.