Emil J. Burmeister

Died April 1, 2017. He was born November 14, 1943 in Wild Rose WI. He is preceded in death by his parents Emil R. Burmeister and Erma (Pilger) Burmeister. He spent his youth and attended school in Wautoma WI. In 1963, he entered the US Army where he proudly served in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. In 1964, he married his wife of 52 years the former Barbara L. Beck. They had one son, Craig and one Grandson, Austin. In 1966, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam, were he was awarded the Bronze Star. In 1967, he was honorably discharged from the military and made his home with his wife and son in Berlin WI. He started his career doing auto repair in his own business, after that, he and a partner (Monte Rhodes) started Berlin Small Engine Repair & Marine. After a successful start-up business Emil became sole owner and along with his wife, continued to build up his customer base. After the sale of his business, he became employed by various Marine dealers as service manager. He retired in 2008 from Blackhawk Marine. After retirement he continued to work part time for the Township of Berlin. Emil loved to spend his leisure time hunting & fishing. Ice fishing was his passion. He also enjoyed watching football and NASCAR racing. He and his wife and their good friends, Karen & Ron Johnson made many trips to different race tracks around the country. Emil was preceded in death by His mother and father, one brother, Bill “Billy B” Burmeister; parents-in-law, Joseph and Virginia Beck; brother-in-law, Joe Beck Jr.; sister-in-law, Roberta Beck. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Craig (Etheena); and his beloved grandson Austin (Samantha). He is further survived by two Brothers, Robert (Tiffany) and Gary (Heather Janzen); sisters, Judy Yohn (Dennis Felton), Connie Brown (Larry Wilker), Ginger Brown (John), and Taffy Burmeister (Joe Reiser); in-laws, Jerry Beck (Marge), Jim Beck (Jean), John J. Beck (Jan Huser), Virginia “Nia” John (Carl). Also many nieces & nephews and their families. Emil was Life Member and former Commander of Wells-Krause VFW Post 2925. He also was Past President and active member of Walleye’s for Tomorrow Fox River Chapter. Thanks go out to the Veterans Hospitals in both Milwaukee and Madison for the excellent care they gave Emil the last 2 years. All the doctors & nurses were always caring and professional. Also to St Agnesian Hospice Hope. The family will greet friends and relatives at the Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home in Berlin on Friday April 7, 2017, 4 to 8 PM. Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 9th at 2:00 PM. With a luncheon at 3:30 PM at Billy B’s Bar in Wautoma WI.

Emil J. Burmeister

November 14, 1943 - April 1, 2017