Obituary of Gertrude Louisa Clark Burmeister

Gertrude Louisa Clark Burmeister Gertrude L. Burmeister died in her sleep on July 13, 2016, at the age of 96 in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, where she was staying with her son, Dale R. Burmeister, since last fall when she broke her hip. She wrote this obituary. Born: December 28, 1919 Momence, Illinois Died: July 13, 2016 Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Parents: Mother Gertrude Uhl deceased 1962; Father Fleet Wood Clark deceased 1968 Sisters: Marjorie Clark deceased 1918; DeLoris Clark Lewis deceased 2005 Husband: Raymond Rudolph Burmeister deceased 1970 Son: Dale Raymond Burmeister Grandchildren: Jeanine Elizabeth Burmeister, Jeremy David Burmeister, and Dennis Raymond Burmeister Great-Grandchildren: Kyra Burmeister, Hailie Burmeister, and Ella Cole Sister-in-law: Ruth Burmeister Fox deceased 2010. Also nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and countless friends. My life was eventful and beautiful and a wonderful way of life to have lived. My greatest blessings were my family my Parents, my Sister, DeLoris, and my Son, Dale Raymond Burmeister, and their families my husband, Raymond Rudolph Burmeister (married 18 years). My Son, Dale, honored me and cared for and about me he, a boy/young man always, a most honorable, compassionate person my greatest "gift." In 1933, my family, the Clarks, moved from Flint, Michigan, to Shelby, Michigan, when I entered 7th grade in the country school, Piper School. "Schooling" in a country school was very different one reason all grades were in one room and one teacher for all grades! Each "schooling" type had valuable merits. My 8th Grade Graduation Class (consisted of all the county schools) was the last year the County Schools Graduates were required to take High School Entrance Exams (I took it assembly hall or gym was the place of the exam). Then, onto Shelby High School Class of 1938. Also, took entrance exams for College. Attended Western Michigan University, Michigan Business School, Davenport, and Aquinas for classes. However, I lacked enough credits for a Degree. But, from time to time, I attended "various" classes just for the fun and interest. A few organizations and activities I belonged to: * West Shore Symphony Orchestra 1944 to 1947 * Girl Scouts, "Red Cardinal Patrol" Leader 1948 to 1950 * Shelby Women's Club, Charter Member 1951 to 1974 * American Society of Women's Accountants, Chapter 14 1951 to 1974 * ASW, Auxiliary Member 1974 to 1981 * Muskegon Women's Investment Club 1956 to 1964 * My Sister and I played for holiday and civic events, church celebrations, graduations, weddings, etc. Great friends and memories were made by these associations. Bookkeeping was my adult life's vocation for: * Shelby Co-op * NJ Fox & Sons, Inc. * Burmeister Building and Supply * Raydon Lumber Company -- My Husband, Raymond, was the RAY of Raydon Lumber Company. Also, he served in the military for four years in Europe World War II. Music and art were my appreciation and privilege to enjoy. A few interesting facts about our families: * Our Fathers: * My Father born September 10, 1893 * My Husband's Father born September 10, 1893 * (and, we married). * Our Mothers: * My Mother Died at age 64 years (married at 20) * My Husband's Mother Died at 96 years (married at 19). * Our Sisters: * My Sister Marjorie Died 1918 4 months old (Mother, Daddy, Baby all in St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois the Baby died horrible Influenza Pandemic of 1918). * My Husband's Sister Died as an infant 10 days old. * Our Husbands: * My husband, Raymond Died at 50 He was 50 for 15 days * My Sister's Husband, Hubert Died at 50 He was 50 for 7 months * Raymond and Hubert both served in the military World War II. Now, I have neared the end of my life with health concerns and not really capable of every day duties and demands. I know I will be "tapped on my shoulder" soon and feel it is not to continually be doctoring and being cared for. My wishes are to go quietly (when I am "called") and with my loved ones' blessings. Each day, each year, each event was enjoyable and celebrated all my life from the simplest to the most elegant all treasured times. For this reason NO Funeral or NO Memorial are my wishes, and, it is also my wish that my body be donated to the University of Michigan Medical School or cremation the simplest procedure. Also at the time my family Dale, Dennis, Jeremy, Jeannine my Sister's children and a Priest to be present to say a prayer for me and my family. I am also so grateful for all the visits, associations, love, compassion, etc. that were given me along my way in my "life" time. I leave: * My Son, Dale Raymond Burmeister * Dennis Raymond Burmeister (Grandson) * Jeremy David Burmeister (Grandson) * Jeanine Elizabeth Burmeister (Granddaughter) * Kyra Lynn Burmeister (Great-Granddaughter) * Hailie Marie Burmeister (Great-Granddaughter) * Ella Loraine Cole (Great-Granddaughter) * Also, dear, dear Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and other Relatives and dear, dear Friends. A few details of my Family: * My Mother died February 1962 * My Father died January 1968 * My Husband died December 1970 * My Sister's Husband died March 1973 * My Sister died May 2005 * My Sister-in Law died March 2010 * My Parents-in-Law * Father died December 1987 * Mother died November 1996 * I was single 32 years * I was married 18 years, two months, six days * I was widowed 46 years * I was 96-1/2 years old at the time of my death. I have lived at Stony Lake, Michigan for 62 years four different addresses during this time, but on the same road or street: * P.O. Box 304 * RR 3 * 8720 West Garfield * 4785 South Sunset Drive (current) This, some detail that made my "life" time all the persons, events, things that touched my life/my years, made me and my life beautiful, and my "gift," my "life." Signed, Gertrude Louisa Clark Burmeister Cards and letters may be sent in care of Dale Burmeister, 154 Lothrop Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236, but please do not send flowers, food, or gifts. Thank you.