Ronald Burmeister

Ronald Burmeister, 86, went to his heavenly home on July 20, 2023. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by Carol, his wife of 61 years, daughter Julie (Tom) Delbrook, son Jeff (Jennifer) Burmeister and grandsons Nick and Justin Delbrook (fiancée Tara Vandendriessche).

Born and raised in Madison, WI, Ron graduated from the University of Wisconsin and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. He was honored to serve as a Navy doctor which included a year stationed in Japan. After completing his OB-GYN residency and reproductive endocrinology fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, Ron practiced at the Rockford Clinic for many years where he delivered thousands of babies. He later worked as a fertility specialist. He was a charter member of the faculty at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, teaching medical students and family practice residents. Ron liked to remind his students that empathy with their patients was essential to good care. He received a Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award and also held the title of Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus.

A humble, soft-spoken workaholic, Ron excelled at everything he did. Besides medicine and caring for his patients, he was passionate about fishing and playing the pipe organ. He loved fishing Wisconsin lakes and, if you could ever get him out of the boat, he looked forward to having a "cold draft" with his fishing buddies. He volunteered his time and talents as an organist playing church services at Our Savior's and Gloria Dei Lutheran Churches.

Ron enjoyed preparing special vegetarian meals, and he was very supportive of Carol's work with Vegetarians in Motion. He also was an avid runner. In his retirement, he became a Lutheran diaconate minister and served the church by preaching and taking communion to homebound members.

Ron, a family man, was generous, patient and kind. He was loved by all who knew him, including the many dogs that he and Carol had over the years He read scripture, fiction and non-fiction, and anything having to do with flyfishing or history. He was a lifelong Wisconsin Badger and a Green Bay Packers fan.

Those who so desire may make a donation in Ron's name to the Lutheran Summer Music Program, PO Box 8687, Minneapolis, MN 55408, or Northern Illinois Hospice, 4751 Harrison Ave., Rockford 61108. The family gives special thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice and Peak Medical Home Caregivers for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural, Saturday, August 19, 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 10-11a.m. To view the memorial service online, please visit www.facebook.com/oslcrockford/live