Gary Albert Burmester, age 52 of New Richmond WI, died on Tuesday evening, January 31, 2012 at his residence. Gary was born March 12, 1959 in Baldwin WI to parents Albert W. and Marian I. (Seeger) Burmester. Gary was a 1977 graduate of St. Croix Central High School. After high school, Gary earned his degree in welding from WITC. Gary was creative and hard-working. He worked as a metal fabricator with Somsen’s Welding, Northern Metal Fab, and most recently with Fusion Metal Products. On December 9, 2005, Gary was united in marriage to Corinne Drake.

Gary had a true “green thumb”, and enjoyed gardening, as well as giving of himself by volunteering at church. Gary loved to create and build models and model trains, as well as work on farm and lawn tractors, even rebuild cars, like his GTO. Whether metal fabricating, making ceramics, or remodeling his kitchen, Gary had the creative skills and talent to do the job right.  Throughout his life, Gary had a special bond with his younger brother Kevin. The two of them loved to hunt, fish, and camp. Their family finds comfort in knowing that Gary and Kevin are together again.

Gary is survived by his wife, Corinne; step-children, Destiny Vensland, Hope (Jim) Persells, and Dion Vensland; step-grandchildren Erika and Riley; mother, Marian Burmester; siblings Mable Kay Seeger, Harley (Geda) Burmester, Irene (Roger) Bruce, Norma (Dave) Omann, Henry Burmester, and Loretta (Tim) Coty; in-laws, Kay Cardinal and Jerry Drake; sister-in-law, Julie (Jim) McKenzie; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; his buddy and matchmaker, Aiden, the dog; and Cody, the cat. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Albert Burmester; and brothers David, Dean, and Kevin.

A Memorial Celebration of Life for Gary Burmester will be held at 7:00PM on Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Christ Center Assembly of God, 810 Northview Drive in Hudson. Visitation will begin at 4:30PM, and be held until the start of the service. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin WI. 715-684-3434