Ellen Marie Burmeister, age 67, of Gratiot, passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at the Monroe Clinic Hospice Home after a 7 and-a-half year battle with cancer. She was born on February 25, 1951 the daughter of Clark and Janette (McCauley) Lelle in Monroe. Ellen was a graduate of Black Hawk High School. She was united in marriage to James “Jim” Burmeister on July 24, 1971 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in South Wayne.
Ellen worked at Utelco as a phone operator after high school. She spent the majority of her life working alongside her husband Jim on their family farm in Gratiot. She enjoyed taking care of her home; her pride and joy was her lawn mower and mowing the yard. She also liked painting ceramics, and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their school events. Ellen was a long time member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Homemakers Club, and the Black Hawk Parent’s Club, when her children were in school.
Ellen is survived by her husband, Jim of Gratiot; children, Lori (Larry) Seffrood of Twin Grove, Steve (Shelly) Burmeister of Hartford, and Brad (Sara) Burmeister of Darlington; eight grandchildren, Trevor Drain, Sheyanne, Montanna, Savanna, and Dayton Burmeister, and Bowyer, Briggs, and Brody Burmeister; her father, Clark Lelle; brothers, John (Pam) Lelle, Larry (Cali) Lelle, Mike (Terri) Torrisi, and Mark (Dianne) Lelle; sister, Mary (Asia) Lelle; sister-in-law, Deb Lelle; daughter-in-law, Loralie Burmeister; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Janette; stepmother, Doris Lelle; and brother, Thomas Lelle.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in South Wayne with Pastor Dennis Perger officiating. Burial will follow service at Union Cemetery in South Wayne. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 10th from 4:00-7:00PM at the SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Ellen’s name. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com
