Sue K. Burmahl

Sue K. Burmahl, 83, of East Moline, IL, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 20th, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 27th, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3834 Rockingham Rd., Davenport, IA. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m., and lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Memorial Park in Davenport, IA.

Sue was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose love, kindness compassion and devotion to God set the highest example for her family.

Sue was born on July 25th, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Margaret Mackin and Chester Turner, both of Davenport. Sue grew up surrounded by her loving family, including her beloved stepfather, Fred Mackin, and treasured aunt, Betty Karstens, in Davenport’s West End. After meeting on a blind date, Sue married Robert Burmahl on January 6, 1960, in a union that lasted 62 years. Sue and Bob settled in East Moline, IL, where they raised four children.

A talented artist, Sue was hired to paint windows at Peterson’s and other department stores while at Davenport Central High School. After graduating in 1960, Sue worked as a hairdresser before leaving to become a full-time homemaker. In the 1980s, Sue returned to the work world to support her children’s college education. Valued for her strong work ethic, she worked at Peterson’s Department store and for 15 years as an administrative secretary at the Rock Island Arsenal.

A cherished mother, Sue’s children were her world. As a stay-at-home Mom, she was always there after school, waiting to talk to her children and hear about their days. Whether drawing, reading, baking or playing games, Sue made sure the kids spent time together. A beautiful free-hand artist, she spent hours drawing things like Santas, witches and cartoons with her children and grandchildren. Sue was the world’s best listener and played a motherly role for neighborhood kids who would flock to her porch to talk during summer months.

Sue had a great love of all types of music and always had the radio playing. She introduced her kids to favorites including Elvis Presley, Willie and Waylon, and Emmylou Harris. She often talked about the thrill of seeing Buddy Holly in concert in Davenport as a teenager.

Since her childhood, Sue held a deep love for animals and treasured her beloved dogs and cats. She loved feeding the birds, squirrels and other critters in her yard every morning. Throughout her life, Sue regularly donated to animal charities including PETA, the World Wildlife Federation and various animal sanctuaries.

In her later years, Sue was an avid reader, often finishing a book or more a week. She enjoyed spending time with her cousins on the Davenport riverboats.

She enjoyed travelling and took annual vacations in Baraboo, Wisconsin, with her family. After retiring, Sue joined her husband and daughter for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Paris and London.

Above all, Sue was a beloved, selfless person who devoted her whole life to taking care of others. From her children and husband to her grandchildren, mother, stepfather, aunts, uncles and friends, she worked tirelessly to ease the burden on the people she loved.

Sue lived by faith and was a devout Christian and a lifelong member of her beloved Immanuel Lutheran Church. Her maternal grandparents were founding members of Immanuel, where Sue was confirmed and married.

Those left to cherish her memory are Robert Burmahl, East Moline, IL, children Scott (Erin) Burmahl, LeClaire, IA, Bradley (Mary Zimmerman) Burmahl, Moline, IL, Beth Burmahl, Silvis, IL, Karen (TJ) Lenninger, Colona, IL; grandchildren, Ellen Burmahl, Norfolk, VA, Hannah Burmahl, Chicago, IL, Grace Burmahl, Chicago, IL, Caroline Burmahl, Morris, IL, Ava Burmahl, LeClaire, IA, and great-granddaughter Olivia Frasser, Norfolk, VA. Sue is also survived by cousins Sandy Kane, Geneseo, IL, Kay (Darryl) Fahrenkrug, Davenport, IA, Jan Branthaver, Chatham, IL, and Sandy Sue (Tim) Flaherty, Davenport, IA, along with many nieces and nephews and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Mackin, stepfather Fred Mackin, aunts Betty Karstens and Ruth Branthaver, and her uncle, Julius “Bud” Doering.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3834 Rockingham Road, Davenport, IA.