Frances Mae Burkart

Frances, 96, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2015, at the Hillview Health Care Center.

Our mother was born July 6, 1918, in Bangor, Wis., to George and Lillie (Halverson) Foster. She married Clayton Joseph Burkart on June 12, 1939. Clayton preceded her in death on July 23, 1973.

Mom was blessed with an extraordinary gift of music. She was an organist, pianist, played the flute, could play any song you could sing by ear and was a phenomenal piano teacher. She was an organist at First Presbyterian Church, St. John’s U.C.C., and, for many years, at English Lutheran Church. She was the piano teacher to 265 students in La Crosse. She served as the accompanist for the La Crosse Civic Choir from the 1940’s to the 1960’s, working with Bernard McGhee, Elvin Saterbak, Alvin Mikelson, Henry Aronson and Harmer Root. She played with the La Crosse Symphony, was a member of the La Crosse Music Study Club, and also a member of the DaCapo Band. Her faith lived through her beautiful music. You can’t touch music, but music can touch you. Mom made a joyful noise to the Lord and we rejoiced in it.

Mom was also a world traveler and enjoyed every trip. She volunteered in Pastoral Care at Gundersen Lutheran for 30 years. She also volunteered at the Gertrude Salzer Gordon Children’s Museum. She was a member of North Presbyterian Church, a 50 year member of Ruth Chapter O.E.S., and a member of the Shrine Auxiliary.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy (David) Bouffleur of La Crosse; her son, Michael (Judy) Burkart of Ames, Iowa; grandchildren, Scott (Beth) Bouffleur of Wausau, Wis., Christopher (Kaori) Burkart of Pensacola, Fla., Erin Burkart of Vail, Colo., and Paul (Lindsey) Bouffleur of La Crosse; great grandchildren, Nolan, Lauren, Clayton, Samuel, and Noah Bouffleur, Hana and Aidan Burkart; and a special niece and nephew who were like her children, Jane (Don) Hammel of Stoddard and Frederick (Lois) Foster, living in Florida. There are also several other nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clayton; her siblings, George Vincent (Vivian) Foster, Ruth (Sam) Sammelson, Dorothy (Charles) French, and Lilyan (Louis) Biscardi.

As was her wish, she will have a family graveside service in Burns Cemetery in Bangor on Saturday, April 18th, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Scott Skogen officiating. A public celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to North Presbyterian Church, the Gertrude Salzer Gordon Children’s Museum, or the Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis.

Our heartfelt thanks goes to the 900-hub staff at Hillview Health Care Center for your compassion and care of Mom and our family. These past four years were made so much easier by your kindness. You will always be part of our family. Thanks also to Dr. Jack Udell for your care and wisdom.