Stella Burmester

Tuesday, December 1, 2020 9:34 pm

Stella Beatrice (Rosendahl) Burmester, of New Albin, Iowa, entered into the eternal care of our Lord on Saturday, Octo.10, 2020 at Thornton Manor, Lansing.

Stella was born on Feb. 3, 1929 to Anton and Clara (Sivesin) Rosendahl in rural Dorchester.

She was baptized and confirmed her faith at the Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church. Stella attended school in rural Dorchester through eighth grade and later received her GED. She started working at the age of 15, working for Verona Bellon in Eitzen, Minn., and then at LaCrosse Dry Cleaners until her marriage. Stella married Elmer H. Burmester on September 27, 1947 at Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church. To this union 3 children were born. Together they farmed on the family farm (which became a “Century Farm”) in rural New Albin, Iowa. She worked right alongside Elmer milking the cows, raising chickens, fencing, working in the fields and had a huge garden besides. Stella also worked off of the farm at the Garment Company in LaCrosse, Wis., and at Northern Engraving in Spring Grove, Minn., and Lansing, Iowa. Stella and Elmer were long time members of St. Johns United Church of Christ in rural New Albin, where she was involved in Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship and Choir. Stella and Elmer enjoyed antiquing, building and refinishing furniture and attending Colorado flea markets. She retired to take care of Elmer during his battle with cancer. Elmer preceded her in death on July 9, 1995. In 1999, Stella moved off of the farm to New Albin. There she thoroughly enjoyed many hours of quilting, reading, playing cards, volunteering at Thornton Manor, Makee Manor and Northgate Manor, her 500 club, book club and the Senior Group. Her favorite time was Christmas when all of her family would gather in her house! She had the “Best” neighbors who in later years helped her with her snow removal, mail, lawn care and garbage removal.

Stella is survived by one brother, Charles (Shirley) Rosendahl of LaCrescent, Minn,; her three children: Brenda Headington (David Becker) of Decorah, Iowa, Claire Kokoszka of Ft. Lupton, Colo,, and Stuart Burmester of New Albin; nine grandchildren, Sharlyn (Lynn) Bibler, Daniel (Denise) Headington, Marsha Headington (Chad Nelson), Heather (Adam) Rentz, Annette Kokoszka, Kari (Michael) Listenbee, Krista (Rob) Payne, Corey Burmester and Ellen Burmester; 21 Great Grandchildren; and one Great Great Grandchild; along with many nieces and nephews. Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; five brothers, James Rosendahl, Art (Margaret) Rosendahl, Bennie (Lois, Sue) Rosendahl, Eddie (Mary) Rosendahl, and Norman (Alpha) Rosendahl; four Sisters, Olga (Joel) Evenmoe, Mable (Albert) Holten, Verna (Clifford) Soride, and Thelma (Calvin) Beardmore; two Grandchildren, Diana Headington (1995) and Jason Kokoszka (2016); Two Sons in law, Wayne Headington (2001) and Michael Kokoszka (2011). Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, rural Eitzen, with Pastor Paul Burgess as the officiant. Burial followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St John’s UCC. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.jandtfredrickson.com