Wayne L. Burmahl

Wayne Lester Burmahl of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the age of 97 joining his beloved wife in the presence of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Wayne was born on February 6, 1929 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Henry Burmahl, Jr. and Mabel Lieneman Burmahl and he was raised there by his mother. In 1943 he graduated from Maquoketa High School.

Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1951 and served with E Company and F Company, 2nd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Division in Korea reaching the rank of Corporal in July 1952 shortly after he participated in the first battle of Old Baldy. Wayne was known to his fellow soldiers as “Sam” during a period when his records were lost which almost led to an AWOL charge until he cleared up the confusion. During his service in Korea he earned two Purple Hearts and was also awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge, UN Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged in January 1953.

Following his return to Maquoketa, Wayne met and married his beloved wife, Eloise Larkey, on April 18, 1954. They were happily married for over 71 years and had two children, Lori Shultz and Richard Burmahl. Eloise recently passed away on November 5, 2025.

Wayne started working in the asphalt paving industry in 1955 and was known for his expertise in repairing asphalt plants and pavers in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. He worked for Funkhouser, CMI, and became the plant manager for Asphalt Sales. He also worked at Johnson County Aggregates before retiring from the industry in 1995.

Wayne enjoyed working with wood and graced his home and those of his family with beautiful, well-made pieces. He used his talents to also bless the First United Methodist Church by crafting a podium for the Mizpah Sunday school class and Harrisburg Baptist Church with an outdoor nativity.

Wayne and Eloise enjoyed travelling together and took many tours throughout the United States and Europe.

Wayne was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Independence, Missouri, American Legion Post 21, VFW Post 1000, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles 385.

Wayne is greatly missed by his family including a daughter, Lori Shultz (Robert) of Harrisburg, Missouri; a son, Richard Burmahl (Teresa) of Independence; four grandchildren, Christophere Burmahl of Kansas, Kelly Stahlman (Michael) of Holts Summit, Brad Shultz (Rachel) of Bend, Oregon, Beth Reule (Ross) of Liberty; six great-grandchildren, Hannah, Joshua, Ruth, Cole, Caleb and Cameron: and a brother Floyd Burmahl of Clinton, Iowa. Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eloise Burmahl, his mother, Mabel Burmahl, a brother, Lyle Burmahl, and a great-grandchild, Micah Stahlman.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12 at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, Missouri. Graveside military honors will follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made directly to the First United Methodist Church in Independence, Missouri.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)