Philip Alvin Burmeister

Philip Alvin Burmeister was born November 14th, 1943, in Harlan, Iowa to Harry and Mena Burmeister. Phil was the youngest of seven children in a family that consisted of twins, a single, triplets, and then Phil. He attended all 12 years of school and graduated from Harlan in 1962. Being the youngest of seven, Phil learned how to follow his own path, which was best exemplified by his decision to become an educator instead of staying in the family agriculture business. He earned a degree in Political Science and Sociology from Northwest Missouri State University, eventually going on to earn his Masters in Education from Central Missouri State University.
Phil met Marie, his bride-to-be, in 1968 while teaching at Mt. Ayr Community Schools. It was during this time that Phil went overseas to serve his country in the Army with the 101st Airborne as a Chaplain’s Assistant during Vietnam. While he did not frequently speak of his time in Vietnam, he was incredibly proud to have served his country and to be a veteran of the US Army. Upon his return in 1970, Phil and Marie were married and began their young lives together in Ridgeway, Missouri before ultimately returning to Mt. Ayr in 1976 when Phil earned the superintendency of schools. Phil would spend the rest of his professional career at Mt. Ayr Community Schools, forever changing the landscape of the public education community within Ringgold County and being recognized as a leader throughout the state amongst his colleagues. MACHS as we know it would not be what it is without the work of Mr. Burmeister.
The happy couple welcomed their first son, Jeffrey, on January 17th, 1975, followed by Jeremy on August 3rd, 1981. Phil cherished being a father, spending much of his time following the kids in their respective school events. He was involved in numerous community events associated with Mt. Ayr Community Schools, Lions Club, and helped to establish the Ramsey Farm at Lesanville. One of his favorite pastimes was playing many, many, games of cards with his cherished wife Marie, friends, and brothers in Harlan. In Phil’s later years he enjoyed visiting his sons in Maine and Colorado to see his beloved grandchildren Dylan and Owen and tagging along with any adventure that his boys could bring him along on. As much as anything, Phil enjoyed and had a tremendous appreciation for his family including numerous nephews and nieces; his many brothers and lone sister Janet; his boys and their respective families.
Phil passed away September 26, 2022, He was preceded in death by his wife Marie Burmeister (Euritt), parents Mena Burmeister (Thogersen) and Harry Burmeister, brother in-law Dan Roe (Marla Kay), sister-in-law Sally Burmeister (James), sister Janet Gose, brothers Jon, Richard, and Robert Burmeister.
Phil is survived by his loving sons Jeffrey (Sonya) and Jeremy (Lyndsey), granddaughter Dylan, grandson Owen, brothers James and Jerome (Rose), sister-in-law Marla Kay, along with numerous nephews, nieces, and many other family members. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.