In loving memory of

Mary Margaret Burmeister
October 17, 1943 - January 29, 2018

Middleton / McFarland - Mary Margaret Burmeister, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2018 at U.W. Hospital. She was born on October 17, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisc., the daughter of Otto and Margaret (Lucic) Haller. Milwaukee is where Mary was raised and met Dale Burmeister. They were married on October 22, 1969.

Mary received her Bachelor's degree in Education and a certification as a reading specialist from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. She was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. After school she worked for the Madison and surrounding area elementary schools until her retirement in 2008. Mary was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in McFarland and a current member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Middleton. She was an active volunteer in the communities she lived in. She enjoyed her walks outside, yoga, helping seniors stay active, traveling and having lunch with friends, a good southern comfort old fashioned, helping children learn to read, and visiting her grandchildren frequently!

She is survived by her son Brian (Melanie) Burmeister; grandsons, Nolan, Blake, and Gavin; sister Alice Murray; brothers, David (Pam) Haller and Paul Haller; she is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dale; daughter Katie; and her sister Barbara Gray.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2015 Parmenter St., Middleton. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at church. She will be laid to rest next to her husband and daughter at Upper McFarland Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Tributes

Tom & Nancy Vodak wrote on Feb 5, 2018:

"Brian and family, keeping you all in our prayers at this difficult time. "

Sue Laska wrote on Feb 4, 2018:

"Dearest Brian, Melanie, Blake, Nolan and Gavin: I am so so sorry to hear of Mary's sudden passing! I worked with Mary at Huegel Elementary School and since then we saw each other now & then. I also worked at the polls with Mary -- she worked at the shift after mine! Mary was such a lovely and beautiful (inside & outside) lady! She was soo thoughtful, kind, caring & fun to be with! Mary was also a faith-filled lady who would do anything for anyone! You truly are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! Mary will truly be missed! "

Bill and Kathy Tarman-Ramcheck wrote on Feb 2, 2018:

"We offer our deepest sympathy to Mary's family, and are so sorry to hear of her sudden passing. She, and you all, are in our prayers as we cannot make her service but will be there in spirit. In her honor we have made a donation to Olbrich Botanical Gardens where her volunteer efforts will continue to blossom."

ernice austin wrote on Feb 2, 2018:

"My sincerest condolences to the family. In all likelihood, you don't know me. But I was your dad's secretary at Schlitz Brewing Company. Sorry to hear of Dale's death. I often thought of him and wondered what happened to him after Schlitz. Dale use to bring me "delicious" cookies your mom baked. I'm praying for strength in this your hour of bereavement. (ernice1918@att.net)"

Cathie DeBoer wrote on Feb 1, 2018:

"Dear Brian, Melanie, Blake, Nolan, and Gavin, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mary. What a loss! Her laughter, energy and optimism will be remembered. Mary was faced with many challenges in her life but she turned these hardships into helping others through her experience. M.O.M.S., YMCA, Suicide Awareness, school volunteer, teaching classes for seniors, Bella Casa Board, church, and her wonderful grandsons. Mary was a champion for women in the workplace before it was popular. Mary loved to have fun; ready to go out or try something new when her friends called. Her faith and optimism we're amazing I was proud to be called her friend. I will truly miss such a remarkable woman. My deepest sympathy,. Cathie DeBoer"

Sue Howell wrote on Feb 1, 2018:

"Mary and I became friends when we were both on the Board for the HOPES (Helping Others Prevent & Educate about Suicide). What an amazing woman! Mary was smart, interesting, caring and funny. We met for coffee after Xmas one year and she was so excited to tell me about Christmas morning with her grandkids. Her volunteer work was fulfilling to her and she touched so many lives including mine.. I am so very sorry for your loss."

Ruth Bruner wrote on Feb 1, 2018:

"Dear Brian, Melanie and family, Just as it was for all of you it was a great big surprise to hear of your Moms passing. What a dear friend. What a beautiful lady inside and out. I remember when your parents lived across the street from us in Fargo, you came early and they had no crib etc. So you slept in a bored crib from me. They were so excited for the new addition to the family! When she came to Texas to visit we had such a wonderful time. One of the activities we did was climbing Enchanted Rock. We didn't quit make it to the top but we still had wonderful view and time. Lots of wonderful memories. She will be missed. Love to you all. Ruth Bruner"

kathi mortenson wrote on Feb 1, 2018:

"Dear Brian and family, I am truly sorry for your loss and for everyone else who knew and loved Mary. Mary and I became friends because her Dale and my Gary were best friends. We supported each other through the deaths of our husbands and I became even closer to her after the passing of her daughter Katie. Mary was a strong, courageous and faith filled woman. She and I had many fun times at Marshalls in Hartland. She spoke lovingly and proudly of you and her grandsons. I will miss our lunches and her friendship. Kathi Mortenson"

Sue and Dan Roseliep wrote on Jan 31, 2018:

"The Bella Casa Condo Community has truly lost a beautiful soul. Our Social Chairperson is gone...wow Mary was so proactive in arranging the social calendar for our condo association. Mary was such a diligent walker and always willing to chat. Our westie, Olive, will miss not seeing her in her outlook window. Peace to her son and family. May God open his arms to her....Sue and Dan Roseliep "

Katie Meland wrote on Jan 31, 2018:

"I was so shocked to hear of Mary's death. I am her personal trainer at the YMCA where she has been an active member for over 7 years. She was always committed to health and was very conscious about getting the most out of each exercise and doing them correctly. It is with great sadness that I am writing this. She will be greatly missed at the Y as she participated in many classes. Please know that we are all keeping your family in our thoughts. Katie Meland"