Virginia "Ginny" Stith Burmeister
June 28, 2013
Virginia “Ginny” Stith Burmeister, 88, died of pancreatic cancer on June 28, 2013 after a seven week illness. Virginia was cremated. A memorial reception will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 2 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Virginia was born on April 22, 1925 to Fred and Helen (Johnson) Hinrichsen in Davenport, IA. She graduated from Davenport High School and MacMurray College. It was there she discovered her love and aptitude for language, writing and community involvement. After graduation she worked as a translator for an international company utilizing her 5 foreign languages.
Marriage to George Burmeister produced a daughter Lynne who has lived and worked as a social worker in New York City for 33 years. Ginny then returned to Iowa to raise her daughter, Lynne. She began working for a State Representative in 1960. In addition to being the Representative’s Secretary, she also wrote editorials for his newspaper. She was a writer and editor for Farm Bureau Financial Company from 1970 to 1988. As friends and colleagues could attest, Ginny was always willing to review and edit written material no matter the subject. While she had a strong work ethic, she also believed in community involvement including PEO, Life Communicators Association, Altrusa, Danish Brotherhood, Merle Hay Neighborhood Association, Ray Society, and most dear to her heart, Golden K Kiwanis. She also volunteered many years with the AIDS Project.
Ginny is survived by her daughter, Lynne and will be missed by former colleagues, many long standing friends, and newer Calvin friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed to MacMurray College, 447 East College Ave. Jacksonville, IL 62650, or Animal Rescue League, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines IA 50313. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jim Graham
09/18/2013
Lynne, My condolences on your mother's passing. I met her in Des Moines the summer of 75 when you and I went to a wedding. I think we may have even stayed at her house. She was a very nice woman. Bowers passed on the news from Ann L earlier this summer. I hope you are well. It's been a long time. All the best, Jim
Coleen Pumphrey
07/07/2013
My husband Don and Ginny were Farm Bureau buddies. Loved to share a good laugh. Don passed away Oct. 1 from cancer. Ginny was a friend from the time I met her in 1983. Will miss that spark and straightforwardness. Coleen
Jane Schmillen Guletz
07/06/2013
Lynne, my sympathies to you and prayers you find comfort in many good memories of your Mother, Thinking of you and prayers coming your way. Jane Schmillen Guletz
Ann Loughlin
07/06/2013
Dear Lynne,
I am so very sorry about your mother's death. I am thinking of you and may your blessed mother rest in peace. All comes to an end at one time or another and I know your mother's spirit will reside within and near you for now and all time. Sending my most sincere condolences,
Ann Ursula Loughlin
Sara (Johnson) Kinley
07/05/2013
Lynn you are in my thoughts and prayers. You are your mother's greatest legacy!
Mary Ballard and Sue Ballard
07/04/2013
Virginia was the most wonderful neighbor and friend. She lived next door to us for many years. The family just loved her and will miss her so much. I learned so many things from Ginny, she would tell me about the paintings she had from her mother and her special committees. I will miss seeing and talking to her. May God Bless the family and just know that she will always be watching us.
Chuck Underwood
07/02/2013
Virginia ":Ginny" Burmeister was a very special lady. She did a super job on our Marketing Staff at Farm Bureau Finaancial Services. It was a joy and privilege to work with her. Her boundless energy and talent added greatly to our endeavors.
May God's richest blessings be upon her family.(John 1:12)
In Christ's love,
Chuck Underwood
Lou Ann Sandburg
07/02/2013
Lynn, you have my sympathy in the loss of your wonderful mother. I loved having her in my life and will miss our visits.
v. thompson
06/29/2013
My sincere condolences to the family of Virginia Stith Burmeister. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and in God's promise to soon "swallow up death forever...and wipe the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25;8) With deepest sympathy,