Joel Thomas Burmester

Joel Thomas Burmester, 69, passed away December 2, 2012 in St. George, Utah after a battle with colon cancer. He was born August 19, 1943 in Buffalo, New York to Lawrence Rowberry Burmester and Cora Brown. Soon after, his family moved to San Mateo, California. Joel graduated from San Mateo High School, and later from Brigham Young University. He served in the Eastern Canada Mission for the LDS Church from 1963 to 1965. He also served his country in the Coast Guard Reserves from 1965 to 1971. He spent 23 years working for the LDS Church at the Granite Mountain Records Vault. Joel married his sweetheart, Carol Ann Toone on August 24, 1968 in the Oakland Temple. Joel enjoyed photography and many sports, especially basketball. He was always happiest when he was serving someone. He will be remembered for snow blowing the neighbors driveways and actively serving in many callings for the LDS church. Joel is survived by his wife Carol, son Joel T. Burmester, Jr. (Sherri) of St. George, Utah, daughters Emily Burmester of Orem, Utah, Angela Conrad (Mike) of San Antonio, Texas, and Karen Palmer (Ryan) of St. George Utah, 10 grandchildren, and a sister, Carla Call of Provo, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lawrence Richard Burmester. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 7, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the LDS chapel at 6540 S. 2700 W. Taylorsville, Utah, with visitation time prior to the service at 10:00 am. A viewing will be held Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 11 a.m. until noon at the LDS chapel at 415 N. Westridge Dr. St. George, Utah, followed by a graveside service at the St. George Tonaquint Cemetery (1777 S. Dixie Dr.) at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to a charity of your choice in Joel's memory.