GALATIA — Ferdinand (Fritz) H. Burmeister, 88, passed away on April 2, 2020 at the Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire, KS. Ferdinand was born on July 22, 1931 in Great Bend, KS to Fred F. A. and Gertrude N. (Hanson) Burmeister.   He married Ivonne (Vonnie) S. Grossardt on January 23, 1960 in Claflin, KS.

A lifetime resident of Barton County, Fritz farmed near Galatia, Claflin, and Ellinwood. He graduated from Claflin High School and Fort Hays State University with a degree in agriculture. He was a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a 50-year member of the American Legion.

Fritz was a 56 year member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia and served on the Clara Barton Foundation Board for many years.   He was proud to be an official weather observer for the National Weather Service for more than 25 years. He supported his children as a leader with the Fairview Scouts 4-H club and was active on the local Election Boards.    

He is survived by his wife, Vonnie, of Bel Aire, sons Chris (Shahi) of Cinnaminson, NJ, Dan (Tammy) of Plainfield, IL, and Kurt (Mandy) of Eastborough, KS; grandsons Zane (Daniella) of Chesterfield, MI, Jacob (Hannah) of Royal Oak, MI, Grant of Golden, CO, and Graham of Eastborough, KS. He is also survived by his brother Paul of Hoisington and sister Nellie Lundgren of Austin, TX, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, April 6, 2020, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery, in Galatia, Kansas, with a memorial service to be announced at a later date once restrictions from the current COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted.

Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia, in care of the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 5, 2020