Burdell Dunruf Willers, 95, Beaver Creek, died Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, of natural causes at his son’s home on Blind Lake.
A funeral Mass was Monday, Jan. 11, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. Burial with full military honors provided by the Luverne American Legion and VFW was at St. Catherine Cemetery in Luverne.
Burdell Willers was born Aug. 18, 1925, to Alex and Nellie (Kothe) Willers in rural Beaver Creek. He graduated from Beaver Creek High School in 1943. He then served in the Army from April 1945 until December 1946. On their way to Japan, his unit learned that the war in Japan was declared over. They were relieved of their guns and became occupied forces. Burdell was baptized and joined the Catholic Church in August of 1946 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yokahama, Japan.
Burdell married Angeline “Angie” Deitermann on Sept. 7, 1949, at St. Catherine 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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Burdell was an active member of St. Catherine Catholic Church for 73 years, serving in many capacities. Burdell was also a Hospice Foundation Board member and volunteer. After moving to Sioux Falls, he enjoyed establishing new friendships at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the Avera Fitness therapy pool. Burdell and Angie enjoyed traveling domestically and abroad. Burdell loved being surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching the geese and the ducks and the loons on Blind Lake. He kept up with all the farming developments. He also enjoyed watching all sports; football and basketball were his favorites.
Burdell is survived by his nine children, James (Jill) Willers of Luverne, Steven (Nancy) Willers of Fairmont, David (Cheryl) Willers of Beaver Creek, Robert (Annetta) Willers of Aitkin, Theresa (Dale) Hoogeveen of Carver, Bryan (Denise) Willers of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Lisa (Roger) Hoff of Steen, Mary (Roger) Turner of Vermillion, South Dakota, and Jeffrey (Lana) Willers of Waunakee, Wisconsin; 27 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bonnie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Angie, on June 17, 2018; and a sister, Darlene.
Arrangements were provided by Dingmann Funeral Home of Luverne, dingmannandsons.com.
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