David Virgil Burmeister, 74, of New Liberty, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living in Tipton, after a long battle with cancer and dementia. His wife and children were by his side.
Born Oct. 25, 1951, in Davenport, David was the son of Virgil and Lorene Wilhel-mina (Dahms) Burmeister. He grew up on the family farm in New Liberty with his sister, Brenda, and graduated from Ben-nett Community High School in 1969. A proud 4-H member, David raised Angus cattle and developed the work ethic and love of farming that shaped his life.
David served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1971 as a heavy equipment operator, building roads in Texas. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Iowa and continued farming — a lifelong passion. He took pride in custom baling and was known for his dedication, grit, and loyalty to Ford and John Deere. His family says he “bled green.”
David was first married to Karis Hartwig from 1970 to 1989, and together they had three children: Tonya Marie, Chad David, and Greg David. On Sept. 23, 1994, he married Kay Marie Timmerman in Long Grove. They had two children: Ali Janice and Ty David.
He led the Liberty Livewires 4-H Club for many years and was a regular at the New Liberty feed store Coffee Club, where he met with lifelong friends, including Cliff, Leon, and Steve. He bowled in a league and enjoyed Stag Night in Dixon. His fa-vorite week of the year was always the Mississippi Valley Fair, where he enjoyed helping and watching his children with their livestock projects. He also enjoyed going to the John Deere Pavillion every year with his two youngest children.
David was witty, hardworking, and loved to tease. He cherished time with his kids and grandkids. In 2011, he lost his grand-son Cael David Burmeister — a heart-break that never left him.
He is survived by his wife, Kay; children Chad (Tammy) Burmeister, Tonya (Allen) Wiese, Greg (Tracy) Burmeis-ter, Ty Burmeister, and Ali Burmeister; sister Brenda (Merle) Meyer; grandchil-dren Peyton (Carly), Preston (Addy), Jacy, Bowen, Chelsea (Mark), Hayden, Brylee, Ashley, Molly, Haylee, and Kaylee; and great-grandchildren Caitlyn, and Carrie. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Cael.
Visitation was held Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton. Funeral services will be Wednes-day, Nov. 19 (today), at 10 a.m., also at Fry Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Dixon Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion in Bennett, where friends and family are invited to share stories and celebrate David’s life.
Memorials may be directed to the David Burmeister family. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Prairie Hills Assisted Living, St. Croix Hospice, and to Danny Hamann for his steadfast friend-ship and support. Please vis-it www.fryfuneralhome.com for service details and to share condolences, along with your favorite memories and photos of David.
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