BURDELL DUNRUF WILLERS, age 95, of Beaver Creek, died peacefully of natural causes on Monday, January 4, 2021, at his son’s home on Blind Lake, MN. He was born August 18, 1925 in rural Beaver Creek, MN to Alex J. and Nellie Marie (Kothe) Willers.
He graduated from Beaver Creek High School in 1943. Afterward he served in the Army from April 1945 until December 1946. On the way to Japan, the war was declared over. They were relieved of their guns and became occupied forces. While in Japan, the army chaplain spent much time in his office, and he had an army buddy encouraging him. As a result, in August 1946 he was baptized and joined the Catholic Church, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yokohama, Japan. In December 1946 they were mustered out and he hitch-hiked home from Washington state to find corn still in the fields.
He went on to find this cute girl named Angeline “Angie” Deitermann sitting on the steps at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church and asked her out for ice cream. He and Angie were married on September 7, 1949, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Luverne. The couple moved to the family farm near Beaver Creek where they lived for the next 45 years. After retiring from farming, they lived in Beaver Creek and later, Sioux Falls.
He was an active member of the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church for 73 years, serving the church in many different capacities. He was also active in the community of Rock County, as a Hospice Foundation Board member and volunteer. After moving to Sioux Falls, he enjoyed making new friendships at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and Avera Fitness therapy pool. Burdell and Angie enjoyed traveling and took many trips domestically and internationally. A strong family bond was important to him and he loved being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He enjoyed watching the geese, ducks, and loons on Blind Lake. He kept up with all the farming developments. And he enjoyed watching all sports, but football and basketball were his favorites.
Burdell is survived by his nine children James (Jill) Willers, Luverne; Steven (Nancy) Willers, Fairmont; David (Cheryl) Willers, Beaver Creek; Robert (Annetta) Willers, Aitkin; Theresa (Dale) Hoogeveen, Carver; Bryan (Denise) Willers, Elkhorn, NE; Lisa (Roger) Hoff, Steen; Mary (Roger) Turner, Vermillion, SD; and Jeffrey (Lana) Willers, Waunakee, WI; 27 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren (with three on the way); and sister, Bonnie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Angie (on June 17, 2018); and sister, Darlene.
Visitation will be Sunday from 4:30 – 7 pm, with parish prayers at 7 pm, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. Visitation also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Funeral Mass will be Monday at 10:30 am at St. Catherine Catholic Church, in Luverne, officiated by Monsignor Gerald Kosse and Father David Forsman. Burial with full military honors provided by the Luverne American Legion & VFW, will be in the St. Catherine Cemetery in Luverne.
To live stream the funeral service please visit http://www.facebook.com/DingmannFH
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