Dr. R. William Burmeister, MD, at the age of 89, died Tuesday, February 5, 2019. He leaves his wife Florene (Flo) Burmeister; Beloved father of Bill, Bob (Julie), Brenda (Tim) Tiemann, Brian (Peggy); Dear grandfather of Anna, Christine – Jessica (Jim) Dashner, Christian, Jake, Claire – Andrew (Clare), Jon, Rachael Tiemann– Alex and Matt; Dearest great-grandfather of Millie and Drake; Fondest brother of Rose Marian (Fahien) and Jim. Dedicated to business partners, friends, numerous patients, colleagues in healthcare and the Army Reserve with many lives enriched by his knowledge, expertise and kindness.
Born and raised in the St. Louis area, he served his community and his country. Upon graduation with honors from (SLU) St. Louis University medical school he started his medical residency, served two years in the Army, returned to SLU teaching Infectious Disease completing medical residency with research at City Hospital. He went on to open his medical practice and became Head of Infectious Disease at St. Anthony’s Hospital in South County (Mercy South).
He provided patient care and consulting throughout his career, presenting across the country and internationally on Infectious Diseases. Recognized as an expert in his field, he saved the lives of many patients, also called upon by many physicians, treating numerous types of infectious diseases and wound infections. He continued to see patients and visit wound clinics throughout St. Louis up to age 86.
In addition to his medical career, after serving two years in the army at United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) on Fort Detrick Base in Maryland, he continued that service in the Army Reserve achieving the rank of Colonel. As a Colonel in the Army Reserve he oversaw and trained service men and women at the 301st Combat Support Hospital Reserve Training Unit, once in St. Louis on Kingshighway, and you often would find him serving in their MASH tent at Fair St. Louis on 4th of July. The Army further recognized his expertise in Infectious Disease, when he was called to assist in top-secret research at USAMRIID, upon the onset of Desert Storm.
At that time, he was commissioned by the Army for research being done at USAMRIID to help protect Army service men and women during Desert Storm combat who served protecting the United States of America. His passion was Infectious Disease healthcare to heal patients, to proudly serve his country and to provide healthcare to his community, in addition to being our beloved father. Through the grace of God he saved many lives and as a person touched and cared for many, utilizing the gifts God gave him.
Our beloved Father now peacefully rests in the arms of God eternally. Well done good and faithful servant. Funeral visitation and service at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9907 Sappington Rd.
, Friday February 15, 2019, 10:00 am visitation up to service at 11:15am. Interment service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery follows at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in remembrance of R. Wm.
Burmeister to: Lutheran Services in America at www. lutheranservices.org/donate or call 202-499-5835. Or St. Lukes Hospital Faith Fund Hospice Services at www.
stlukes-stl.com or call 314-576-2345. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. R. William Burmeister MD please visit our Sympathy Store.
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