Caledonia Argus

Posted: 8/13/02

Verna Burmester, 97

Verna Louise (Wiegrefe) Burmester, 97, of Caledonia, MN, died Friday, August 9, 2002, at The Lutheran Home, Caledonia. She was born a twin on March 8, 1905, in Wilmington Township, Houston County, to August and Elfrieda (Deters) Wiegrefe. Verna was baptized and confirmed at St. Lukeís United Church of Christ in Eitzen. On April 20, 1927, she married Martin Burmetser at St. Lukeís U.C.C. Verna and her husband farmed in Wilmington Township near Eitzen until July 5, 1964, when Martin died. She moved to Eitzen in 1964 and lived there until she moved to Roseview Court in Caledonia in August of 1995. Verna and her twin sister, Alma, had adjacent rooms at Roseview Court and enjoyed being together there. In the Eitzen area they were known as the ìMinnesota Twinsî and participated in many parades.

Verna spent much of her time tatting until her eyesight had gone out. She also cut clippings from local papers and put them in scrap books, this she did until the day of her fall. Verna was a lifelong member of St. Lukeís U.C.C. where she was a member of ladies aid and in her younger years had been the church organist.

Verna leaves no family but many friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Elmer Wiegrefe; an infant sister, Edna; and her twin sister, Alma, who died May 14, 2000.

Services were held Monday, August 12, 2 pm, from St. Lukeís United Church of Christ with Rev. Rolf Storlie officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Friends called at the church on Monday from 1 pm until the time of service.

Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, Caledonia was in charge of arrangements.

Top of Page