Stella Burmester
Stella Beatrice (Rosendahl) Burmester, 91, of New Albin entered into the eternal care of our Lord Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Thornton Manor, Lansing. Funeral services were held Saturday, October 17 at St. John’s United Church of Christ (UCC), rural New Albin with Pastor Paul Burgess officiating. Burial was at the church cemetery.
Stella was born February 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, MN and then at LaCrosse Dry Cleaners until her marriage.
Stella married Elmer H. Burmester September 27, 1947 at Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church. To this union three children were born. Together they farmed on the family farm (which became a “Century Farm”) in rural New Albin. 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 La Crosse, WI and at Northern Engraving in both Spring Grove, MN and Lansing.
Stella and Elmer were longtime members of St. John’s 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 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 snow removal, mail, lawn care and garbage removal.
Stella is survived by one brother, Charles (Shirley) Rosendahl of LaCrescent, MN; her three children: Brenda Headington (David Becker) of Decorah, Claire Kokoszka of Ft. Lupton, CO 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); and two sons-in-law, Wayne Headington (2001) and Michael Kokoszka (2011).
Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.jandtfredrickson.com.
