Melvin H. Burmeister

Obituary

Melvin Henry Burmeister was born on January 8, 1930, at his parents’ farm home, north of Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Emil and Alice (Seller) Burmeister. He was baptized as an infant on March 25, 1930, by Pastor Schulze and confirmed in his faith as a youth in June 1945, by Pastor Arthur Koehler, both at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He received his education at school district 14 and was a graduate of Hutchinson High School class of 1949. After high school, Melvin attended Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Melvin entered active military service in the United States Army on May 10, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Eleven months were served in the Korean Conflict, during which time Melvin was commended for braving communists’ fire during the Battle of Old Baldy Mountain in Korea. Melvin was a member of the 2^nd Infantry Division, which captured the important position on the rain-soaked western front. Melvin and his comrades on the communications team laid their lines simultaneously.  The wire crews frequently braved enemy artillery and mortar barrage in an exposed position to repair lines destroyed by communists. He was honorably discharged on February 11, 1953, at Camp Carson in Colorado, having achieved the rank of PFC (T).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Melvin started his employment at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) after being discharged from his military service in February 1953. He was employed at 3M for 35 years as a Slitter Operator, until his retirement in 1988.

On November 24, 1956, Melvin was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Alsleben at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson by Pastor Buelow. This marriage was blessed with two daughters whom he adored; Tammy and Deb. Melvin and Shirley resided in Hutchinson. They shared 62 years of marriage. He was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church.

Melvin enjoyed going to garage sales and looking for antiques, old tools, and avon bottles. He liked tending to his yard and flowers. Melvin especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. 

Melvin passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Harmony River Living Center, at the age of 89 years. Blessed be his memory, his family will miss him profoundly.

Melvin is survived by his:
Love of his life and Wife of 62 years, Shirley Burmeister of Hutchinson, MN;
Cherished and loved Daughters, Tammy Hahn and her husband, Paul, of Medina, MN,
                                                            Deb Sylvester and her husband, John, of Fridley, MN;
Grandchildren, Jade Hahn, Jacob Hahn, Jenna Hahn, Anthony Sylvester, Kelsey Sylvester;
Sisters-In-Law, Mary Alsleben,
                             Elsie Alsleben,
                             Bev Alsleben,
                             Dorothy Alsleben;
Special friends and neighbors, Brad and Judy Platz;
Many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.

Melvin was preceded in death by his Parents, Emil and Alice Burmeister; Grandson, Brandon Lanie; Nephew, Karl Burmeister; Brother, Vernon Burmeister and his wife, Lorraine; Parents-In-Law, Charles Alsleben and his wife, Ella; Sister-In-Law, Rosella Hanson and her husband, Vernon and her first Husband, William Sandman; Brothers-In-Law, Melvin Alsleben, Earl Alsleben, Roy Alsleben, Iven Alsleben.