Verna M Burgmaier

Verna Burgmaier better known as Butch passed away September 5, 2012 surrounded by her family. Butchs journey of life began on October 12, 1924 she was born to Louise Voves and the late George Voves. She never met her father, he died before she was born. Her mother remarried George Thaldorf who became her lifetime father. Butch attended Central High School and played in the band. After High School she worked at Paramount Photo. At night, she frequented the Avalon Ballroom, where she met the love of her life Robert Burgmaier and they danced their way through 35 years of marriage. Together they owned and operated Burgmaier Grocery and apartment rentals. A typical Saturday for Butch and Bob was to work all day and dance all night captivating the audience with their high-spirited jitterbug. They worked hard and played hard, after Bob died Butch continued her journey alone making many friends along the way. She continued to work at Burgmaier Grocery with her children and was known as Mrs. B by all the college students who shopped at the store. She loved to travel, bowl, play golf, cards and shop. She was always up for a lunch date. Then the fun work filled her days, she was an auxiliary member and volunteer at Franciscan Skemp, Cathedral Church, Elks and Moose Clubs. Butch was a selfless mother and grandmother, whenever you needed her she was there for you. She was a constant at her grandchildrens games and performances. Seven years ago Butch moved into her new home at The Willows, where she filled her days with more friends. We would like to thank all who were involved in her life past and present, making her life so rich and full. A special thank you to the staff at the Willows Assisted Living especially Marianne Frost who took special care of her the last years of her life. Now that your journey is over, you are finally home! Thanks Mom for your warm and cheerful presence in our lives, we are so grateful.

She is survived by a daughter, Joan (Bill) McDonnell of La Crosse, a son Thomas T. (Joanne) Burgmaier of La Crosse, a daughter-in-law, Mary Burgmaier of Milwaukee, six grandchildren, Robert P. Burgmaier, Leonard Burgmaier, Corey (Jason) Reinhardt, Matt (Annie) McDonnell, Joseph Burgmaier, and Nicole Burgmaier, and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, a son Robert M. Burgmaier, and two brothers, Robert Voves and George Thaldorf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. Rev. Charles D. Stoetzel will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Tuesday from 5:30 7:30 PM, and at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. A Prayer Service will be held Tuesday evening at 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, the Willows Activity Fund, or the Mayo Clinic Auxiliary.



Those we hold most dear,

Never truly leave us

They live on in the kindness they showed,

The comfort they share and the love

They brought into our lives

Author Unknown