Dean Burmester was born on March 18, 1946 to Herbert and Anita (Krueger) Burmester. After what seemed like a life time of illnesses that he continually overcame, he passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, August 21, 2024 at the age of 78. He was baptized at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Loganville, WI and confirmed at St John Lutheran Church, Reedsburg, WI where he was a lifelong member. During high school Dean worked for his father, Herbert Burmester, constructing and remodeling homes around Reedsburg until his graduation in 1964 from Webb High School, Reedsburg. He enlisted in the Air Force March 11, 1965 training in radar maintenance. For about one and a half years he served at the radar station in Antigo, WI.  His last year in the Air Force was at Indian Mountain, Alaska near the Arctic Circle. In 1969 Dean left the Air Force and started employment at Hankscraft, Reedsburg, WI as a maintenance technician until 1974. While working at Hankscraft he met his wife, Marian Ruhland. They were married at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Plain, WI on October 30, 1971. Shortly after their marriage Dean was employed at Seats, Reedsburg, WI for a total of 34 years retiring on April 10, 2008. Through the years Dean took several trade courses. One of his proudest was receiving his Millwright Journeyman Certificate. In his younger days he enjoyed tent camping, hunting, fishing, gardening, cutting wood, and building with wood in his work shop. Since we had nice woods, he decided that he could collect maple sap to cook into syrup which was given as presents to family. Every year we would put in an extra garden, where we could grow pumpkins, squash and gourds so his great nieces would be able to pick out their prize pumpkin. Come Christmas time his great nieces and family had such joy picking out a tree on the hillside above our house. Dean so enjoyed these family moments. Then there were the many jigsaw puzzles, science fiction books, and family card games. Dean and Marian had always loved to travel but the trip of a life time was in 2010 when they traveled to Europe.

He is preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Anita (Krueger) Burmester, infant brother Kenneth, along with two other brothers, Harlan and Evan Burmester, sister-in-law, Karen (Girling) (Burmester) Beardsley, brothers-in-law, James and David Ruhland, niece, Gina Candace Bauer.

He is survived by his wife, Marian, sister, Renee (Don) Urban of Wonewoc, sisters-in-law, Helen Bauer, Karen (Gene) Beth of Rock Springs, nieces Dawn (Jarrod) Ertel of Wonewoc, Nikki (Josh) Justman of LaValle, Laura (Chris) Dillman, TN, Jean Ruhland, CA, nephew, James Ruhland, TX, great nieces, Kailey and Bryn Ertel, Shelby and Kelsey Justman, Lindsay Dillman. Their marriage wasn’t blessed with children of their own, so their nieces, nephew and great nieces meant so much more.

A memorial service for Dean Burmester will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsburg, with Pastor Kris Totzke officiating.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 12:00 Noon until the time of the service at the church.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. John Cemetery, Reedsburg.  Memorials may be made to St. John Ev. Lutheran Church.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.

Always believe that something wonderful is going to happen.  Even with all the ups and downs, never take a day for granted.  Cherish the little things and hug the ones you love. ~Brigitte Nicole