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

William Burmester

March 14, 1939 - April 24, 2025

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