Lawrence “Larry” K. Burmeister, 83, of Dixon, died Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at Heritage Square in Dixon. He worked in the shipping department at National Manufacturing in Sterling for 44 years prior to his retirement.

Larry was born October 8, 1931, in Milledgeville, IL, the son of Harry and Ruth (Woessner) Burmeister. He was educated in a little country school house named Island School near Deer Grove. He graduated from Tampico High School where he excelled in track and field. Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was discharged in 1953 as Airman 1st Class and served as a medical technician. Larry married Sylvia Patzer on December 24, 1976, at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sterling.

The Burmeister farm was the same as most farms of its day with dairy herds, beef cattle, sheep, hogs, and chickens. Larry received a young steer that was donated from the famous “King Ranch” in Texas. He showed him in many 4-H events. Larry was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dixon. He was very active in painting many walls of the church and the parsonage. He also helped many times in the annual Fall clean-up. He was a past member of the Rock Falls American Legion Post. He enjoyed riding his bike and many days rode 21 miles. He also enjoyed walking. After he retired he loved driving his 34’ motor home and traveling through many states. He and Sylvia took extensive vacations throughout the United States and visited many countries in Europe, from England to Italy. In 1997, they bought a small home in Winter Garden, FL, and would drive from Illinois in the early fall and return the first of April. Larry was a wonderful gardener and loved working for many hours, almost every day in his yard.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Burmeister of Dixon; one sister, Lorraine (Bill) Kunde of Sterling; one brother, Russell (Lorrie) Burmeister of Florida; four step-children, Sally Beveridge of Florida, Janet (Gary) Schuster of Aurora, Joseph Patzer of Dixon, Alice (Dan) Miller of Rockford; and many step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, LaVern Burmeister.

Per Larry’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded. Later the family will have a Celebration of Life in the gardens that he loved so much, followed by full military honors.

Arrangements are being completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon.

213 Crawford Ave.

Dixon, IL

815-288-4469