Barbara Jean Burmeister

MARSHALL-Barbara J. Burmeister, age 67, of Marshall, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, after a yearlong battle with a very aggressive cancer. She was born on Aug. 20, 1951, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Henry Bettin and June (Patterson) Bettin. Barb attended John Marshall High School in Milwaukee, and graduated in 1969. After high school she attended UW-Milwaukee, graduating in 1973 with her Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to complete her internship at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee. Barb worked as a Registered Medical Technologist in the clinical chemistry laboratory at UW Hospital for 11 years. She left the lab to oversee the Proficiency Testing Program for the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene from 1985 until her retirement in 2016. Included in her many professional activities, she was especially proud of her leadership within the US EPA National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC), serving four years as a committee chairperson and one year on the board of directors. Barbara married Gregg Burmeister on July 6, 1974, in Milwaukee. She was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, the women’s group, and was very involved in their annual church bazaar. Cooking and baking was one of her favorite pastimes and enjoyed by all, especially the many dozens of bazaar breads and wide variety of Christmas cookies she made. Whether at home or traveling internationally, she always cherished time outdoors including gardening, fishing, snorkeling, snowshoeing and viewing wildlife. She also enjoyed creating her own unique jewelry to coordinate with her outfits. Barb was an avid collector of lighthouses, but would only purchase those she had visited, mainly on the Great Lakes but some on the East and West Coasts as well. As a leader in Cub Scout Pack 76 and a Boy Scout Troop 76 Committee member, she was very proud to see many young men achieve the Eagle Scout rank, including her two sons. Barb is survived by her husband of 44 years, Gregg; sister, Janet Larriuz; brother, Robert (Carol) Bettin; sons, Scott and Steven (April) Burmeister; granddaughters, Paige and Audrey; brothers-in–law, Gary (Sandra) Burmeister and Glen (Jan) Burmeister. She was blessed with many other relatives and friends who were always a big part of her life. Barb was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. A Memorial Service will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Hwy AB, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018. The family thanks Agrace HospiceCare, members of Hope Lutheran Church, and numerous friends and family for their compassion and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Hope Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420