Burl Allen RUMMENS

RUMMENS, LUCHSINGER, JOHNSON, POTTER, PEARSON, PIZNER, MACLEAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/10/2015 at 18:31:40

July 9, 1936 --- March 26, 2015

Burl Allen Rummens died Thursday, March 26, 2015, at his home after a courageous battle with ALS. He was 78 years old. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Fargo, ND, on April 25, 2015, at 2:30 PM with visitation one hour prior.

Burl was born on the family farm near Hardy, Iowa, on July 9, 1936, to Elwood and Alice (Luchsinger) Rummens. He graduated from Vernon High School near Renwick, Iowa, in 1954. He continued his education at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Burl married Donna J. Johnson on September 1, 1957, in Piper City, Illinois. Burl and Donna made their home in Illinois while raising their three daughters.

Burl loved to travel and during his career, he traveled extensively around the United States and throughout the world. In the late 1950’s, Burl was a lead surveyor during construction of the East-West Tollway in Illinois. He later became Director of Public Works for the city of Peru, Illinois. In 1974, Burl went to work for Steiger Tractor and the family moved to Moorhead, MN. He worked in the agriculture and construction industries. In the late 90’s, he began working for Tharaldson Development, building hotels. Throughout his life, Burl loved the land and being outdoors. His love for working the land extended from his upbringing on the farm to his many jobs in the construction industry to his days at the lake. In retirement, Burl loved to spend time at the lake and would usually be found tinkering in his shed.

Burl was kind and generous spirit. He made new friends everywhere he went. He enjoyed any chance to get together with family and friends. Both at home and at the lake, he would often be found cooking something on the grill. At family reunions he was often behind the camera making sure to get a picture of everyone. He was always there if anyone needed help.

Time spent with his five grandsons and great-grandchildren was treasured and always brought a sparkle to his eye. Even as ALS took its toll, time with family and friends made the illness take a back seat. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, was a 50-year Mason, and served in the Army reserves.

Burl is survived by his wife, Donna, of Moorhead; daughters, Brenda (Greg) Potter, Fargo, their sons, Brian (Emily), Minneapolis, MN, Timothy (Jana), Maple Grove, MN, Mark, Fargo, ND; Deanna (Greg) Pearson, Newtown, CT, their sons, Derek, Ogden, UT, Evan (Courtney), Clinton, CT; Amy Rummens, Moorhead; five great-grandchildren, Lydia, Parker, Victoria, Charlie and Piper; sister, Elaine Pizner, Peoria, AZ; brother, Bob (Nancy) Rummens, Rogersville, MO; sister, Leone (David) MacLean, Minneapolis, MN; and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and four nephews. The family is grateful for the support provided by the ALS Association and Hospice of the Red River Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church, Fargo; ALSA, or Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, North Dakota.

http://boulgerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/burl-a-rummens/