Matthew David Burmeister, the son of David Lee and Kimberly Sue (Olson) Burmeister, was born on September 22, 1980, in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized on December 28, 1980, celebrated his First Communion on October 6, 1991, and was confirmed on May 7, 1995. He attended Harlan Community Schools, graduating from Harlan High School in 1999. During high school, Matt began working for his father at Dave’s Body Shop; since graduation he had been employed full time in the business.

Matt was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa. As an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed camping and trapping game, he was especially proud to have bagged his first deer this year. Matt liked gathering with friends and listening to music, specifically AC/DC.

Matthew D. Burmeister died on Tuesday, February 26, 2002, at his home in rural Harlan, Iowa, at the age of 21 years, 5 months, and 4 days.

Preceding Matthew in death was his grandfather, Alvin Burmeister. Survivors include his parents, David and Kimberly Burmeister of Harlan, Iowa; two brothers, Marcus Burmeister and Mitchell Burmeister, both of Harlan, Iowa; grandparents, Blanche Burmeister and Suzann and Richard Olson, all of Harlan, Iowa, and Jack (Marian) Maxwell of Stewartville, Minnesota; three uncles, Roger (Mary) Burmeister of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Curt (SonOk) Olson of Spanaway, Washington, and Chris Olson and his fiancée, Jessica Davy, of Biglerville, Pennsylvania; four aunts, Connie (Jerry) Paul of Woodland Park, Colorado, Diane Bro of Urbandale, Iowa, Patricia Kelly Kelly of Harlan, Iowa, and Karen (Kurt) Reason of Marne, Iowa; his close friend, Amy Petersen of Harlan, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 2, 2002, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Pastor Jon Benson and Pastor Heather Becklin officiating. The organist was Marge Ahrenholtz. Serving as casket bearers were Trevor Albright, Wes Bartelson, Les Sidman, Jason Conrad, Matt Albertsen, Dustin Daringer, and David Swank. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.