Kenneth LeVerne "Ken" Burmeister

Kenneth "Ken" LeVerne Burmeister, age 84, of Lakeville, MN, passed away unexpectedly on October 28, 2025, due to complications from Parkinson's disease. He was born on February 20, 1941, at his family home in Minneapolis, MN, to William and Alma (Thompson) Burmeister.

Ken graduated from Mora High School and proudly went on to serve his country in the US Army and the Minnesota National Guard from 1959-1967. On May 12,1961 he married Annette (Erickson) and they made their home in Sandstone, MN and had 2 boys, Alan and Loren. Ken was an active member of Highview Christiania Lutheran Church in rural Farmington and participated in numerous clubs and organizations throughout his life.

Ken enjoyed a long career of over 31 years with People's Natural Gas, which took him to several cities across Minnesota, including Harmony, La Crescent, Tracy, Bemidji, and Eagan. In 1992, he joined the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS) as an Engineering Specialist, leaving a lasting impact with his unwavering commitment to public safety and the prevention of damage to underground facilities. He retired from MNOPS in 2008 but remained dedicated to supporting Gopher State One Call educational programs.

Ken was a genuine, kind, and gentle soul who found joy in connecting with others. Known affectionately as "Mr. Safety Man," he was always looking out for those around him - whether by offering helpful suggestions or even waving down strangers on the road to keep them safe. Ken loved to travel, especially the annual trips to Colorado with Annette in their 5th wheel camper, where he felt most at peace in the mountains. His most cherished adventure was the cross-country road trip to Alaska, celebrating his retirement and a lifetime of hard work. Above all, Ken was a devoted family man. He rarely missed a moment involving his sons or grandchildren, always cheering them on, offering support, and making every gathering brighter with his humor and warmth. His love for his family and his caring spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Annette (Erickson); sons, Alan (Terese) Burmeister of Hayden, CO; Loren (Sally) Burmeister of Eagan, MN. He was a very proud Grandpa (Boppa) to his grandchildren and great grandkids: Amy (Nick) Williams of Rosemount with Mallory (3) and Mason (1); Ryan (Abi) Burmeister of Apple Valley with Lily (1) and Jack (due in February 2026); and Molly Burmeister of Rosemount. Ken's surviving family also includes his sister Delores (and Paul) Kylander of Ogilvie, sister-in-law Ann Burmeister of Minneapolis, Brother-in-law Elwyn (and Diane) Erickson of Moose Lake, and Sister-in-law Darlys (and Doug) Meyer of Arizona, along with many nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings including William "Bill" Burmeister, Lorraine (and Joe) Vanderberg, Marilyn (and Lee) Schultz, Carol Smith, and Wayne Burmeister.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Highview Christiania Lutheran Church in Farmington, MN, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Entombment will take place at 11:00 AM Friday, November 14, 2025 at Oakwood Cemetery in Mora, MN.

Ken's story lives on in every laugh shared, every trip remembered, and every moment we choose to look out for one another - just as he always did. With broken hearts, we hold close the memory of a man we call Husband, Dad, Boppa Ken, Uncle, Brother, and dear Friend.

Online condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com