"Cheryl and family. I am so very sorry to hear we have lost Ruben to a higher plane. He was an excellent mentor, a great friend, and above all both a superior person and a highly respected man. Although a California resident for 2 decades; my heart and condolences rest with all of you in Minnesota as you remember and celebrate his wonderful life. Our prayers are with you, Dan and Kathy Reno"
In loving memory of
Ruben H. Burmester
May 5, 1948 - April 12, 2019
A memorial service for Ruben Herman Burmester, 70, of Rochester will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Rochester. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the service at the church.
Ruben was born on May 5, 1948 in Caledonia, MN to Herman and Lydia (Hasse) Burmester. He peacefully passed due to complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy on April 12, 2019 at the Samaritan Bethany Home surrounded by his family.
Ruben graduated from Caledonia High School in 1966. He then graduated from Western Wisconsin Technical College. On October 12, 1968 he married Cheryl Johnson in Coon Valley, WI. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple moved to Rochester in 1968. He started working for IBM as an engineer where he continued to work until his retirement in 2008. Ruben loved sports and spent many years coaching his children and grandchildren in baseball, fastpitch softball, soccer and basketball. He also gained an appreciation for hockey while watching his grandchildren play over the years. He enjoyed gardening, fixing things, spending time with his grandchildren and faithfully attending church.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Burmester of Rochester; one son, Brian (Teresa) Burmester of Rochester; two daughters, Rhonda (Chris) Ackerly of Plymouth and Jessica Burmester of Rochester; eight grandchildren, Emma, Samuel and Jonathan Burmester; Benjamin, Annabel and Ruby Ackerly and Lovinsky and Lydia Burmester; one brother, Donald Burmester of Calendonia, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Robert.
Memorials can be directed to Resurrection Lutheran School or Donor's Choice.
To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, Mn (507) 289-3600
Tributes
"To the greatest person I have ever known!! I had so much fun with Reuben at work. He always had a smile on his face and we always kelp up with what the kids and his grandkids were up to. He was soooo proud of all of them! I?m gonna miss you asshole, I mean honey??? Love ya, Carrie (Titus) Meyer"
"Cheryl, Tom and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. He has many memories of the softball games with and working with Rueben. I remember sitting in the bleachers with you at the games. Ruben was a great guy, always friendly and humble. May he Rest In Peace. May you and the family have peace in knowing he is with our Lord. We would offer our sympathy in person but we aren?t back from our winter place yet. We are thinking about you though."
"Thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandpa. At the same time I know you are rejoicing knowing that Ruben is home with Jesus, healed and at peace. I remember when Ruben was coaching Emma and Kate's basketball team at Resurrection. Very happy memories!"
"I was so sad to see that Ruben had passed away. He was a fabulous engineer, with wonderful common sense, but his best asset was his can-do attitude. I worked on many projects with him, and always knew it would turn out right with him on the team. What a wonderful man."
"We never got to meet Ruben...handsome man and looks like a good husband, father and grandfather. Our deepest sympathy to you Cheryl and you family. Jesus is taking care of him now. Steven and Donna Leis"
"Ruben has left us many good memories. As a colleague at work, as a teammate on several Softball teams, and as a friend. We mourn with his family. Dave and Mary Styczinski "
"We are so sorry to learn of Ruben?s passing. From the moment he walked into IBM and joined the area where I worked, Ruben has always been one of my favorite people. Thru the years, we partied together, bowled together, were tennis doubles partners, vacationed together, and became business partners. Ruben was an honest, hard working, talented man that always kept that valuable sense of humor. We were blessed to have him in our lives. Cheryl, we pray that you and your family feel God?s peace and presence during this time of grief. Gene & Linda Tenpas"
"I enjoyed working with Rube during my early years with IBM and was fortunate to have crossed paths with him again prior to his retirement. He was a good friend and dedicated engineer who always took the time for a cup of coffee and a good conversation. He will be missed by many........"
"My heartfelt sympathy is with you during this difficult time. Prayers of Peace and Comfort to your family."
"Our prayers are with your family. What a joy for Ruben to be able to spend Easter with Jesus in Heaven this year!"
"Our heartfelt sympathy to all of Rubin?s family! He was such a special man! I loved working with him for so many years! He always made me smile! I bet right now the angels have smiles on their faces! Rest In Peace my friend! "
"Little did I know when Ruben began coaching our daughter, Faith, in 6th grade basketball that he would become such a good friend to Deb and I as well as many of the other parents. We will miss our coach, friend, bowling team partner, consistent card party winner and golf outing partner. A real competetor, excelling in at all we did together (but not that good at golf). Our deepest condolences to the family. "