Beatrice Clarissa Burmeister, age 89, died June 25, 2017, at Gundersen Harmony Care Center.
Beatrice was born March 3, 1928 to Nels and Agnes Teigen at the farm of her maternal grandparents, Ole and Kari Flaby, (currently the Old Barn Resort) outside of Lanesboro. She graduated from Lanesboro Public Schools and went on to get a degree in English and Vocal Music Education from St. Olaf College in Northfield. She taught vocal music for a brief time at Arlington, Minn., and Onalaska, Wis., before taking a vocal music position in Lanesboro, Minn., where she spent most of her career.
She married F. Keith Burmeister on December 28, 1954 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro. They have two daughters, Heidi (Philip) Dybing of Lanesboro and Tanya (Stephen) Stadem of Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; six grandchildren: Gabriel (Kendall) Dybing, Brianna (David) Garman, Aubre (Alex) Gordon, Britta (Colin) Beveridge, Aanna (Nicholas) Chase, and Greta Stadem; and seven great-grandchildren.
Beatrice was very active in her hometown of Lanesboro. Her most influential gift was her musical ability and passing on her love of music. Bea taught vocal music, kindergarten to twelvth grade, teaching children to match pitches and sing parts, a skill they could enjoy their entire lives. She also shared her piano performance talent by teaching piano after school, another skill that could be enjoyed and shared for a lifetime. But her most meaningful contribution to the community was her amazing Christmas programs. Everyone who participated or attended still has wonderful memories of performing and enjoying the programs under Beatrice’s guidance.
Beatrice is survived by her husband of 62 years, Keith; her sister Tess (Theresa) (Reverend Curtis Johnson) of Rochester, her children and grandchildren, her niece Charis (Terry) Hovden of Ridgeway Iowa, and nephew Steve (Dawn) Johnson of Kasson, Minn.
A service of musical celebration and thanks for Beatrice’s life will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday, June 28 from 5-7 p.m., and at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 29. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 29 at the Church. Burial will be at the Lanesboro Community Cemetery.
Memorials are requested to go to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Sons of Norway Heimbygda Lodge in Lanesboro.
Thank you to all who were special in Bea’s life.
Johnson-Riley Funeral Home of Lanesboro, Minn., assisted the family.