William Burmester

William Burmester

March 14, 1939 - April 24, 2025

Obituary

COTTAGE GROVE - William Gale “Bill” Burmester, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025. He was born on March 14, 1939, in the Town of Dellona, Sauk County (Reedsburg, Wis.) to Christian and Ruth (Seymour) Burmester.


Bill lived a full and meaningful life. He played in Wisconsin’s first Little League and made history by pitching a no-hitter on August 21, 1951. He graduated from Reedsburg High School in 1957 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.


Bill served in the U.S. Army National Guard’s Red Arrow Division and was called to active duty in October 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. On October 27, 1962, he married Beverly Terry. Throughout his career, he was a dedicated member of both the Carpenters Union and Laborers Union Local 464.


Bill is survived by his wife, Beverly; and sons, Dale (Jodi), Kurt (Jill) and Kevin. He further leaves behind cherished granddaughters, Leah (Brandon) Ruden, Erin (Sylvie) Burmester, Denise (Todd) Reith, Susan (Wyatt) Burmester and Kelly (Miles) Burmester; step-grandchildren, Kate (Dan) Matson and Wade (Sheila) Matson; great-grandchildren, Paxton, Dorothy, Aurora and Cade; and step great-grandchildren, Loki, Oslo and Finley. He will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his brothers, Neil and Robert; and sister-in-law, Sallie.


In accordance with Bill’s wishes, he will be cremated. There will be no funeral service, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.


The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

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AB
A Memorial Tree was planted for William Gale "Bill" Burmester
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
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Eric & Susan
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Great guy, who will be missed by all.
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Denise
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Grandpa was such a caring, kind and fun guy. I will remember all the walks we took, all the best walking-sticks picked out, identifying puff mushrooms and “poisonous” berries, helping him tend to the rhubarb garden and the many projects we made together. Rest easy, I love you. -Denise
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Gerry Payne
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My second family for sure growing up I could do anything. I wanted to do at their home on up off road their boys and I were super close and always enjoyed going up to the cabin on the lake. I have loved the family like I love my own rest in peace, Bill!
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Lori Gavin
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Beverly, Our sincere sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Bill. Bob and Lori Gavin
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Jill Lampi
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Bev, so sorry for your loss as I remember you and Bill from our time in cub scouts and Boy Scouts. May he rest in peace and you and your family find comfort in your many memories. Jill and Bernie Lampi

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