Roger W. Burgmeier

Roger W. "Gus" Burgmeier, age 76 of North Vernon, died at 7:00a.m. Monday, October 1, 2012 at his residence surrounded by his wife and sons. Born May 29, 1936 in Jennings County, he was the son of Burel Edward and Mildred Alice (Fitzgerald) Burgmeier. On August 31, 1958 at The First Baptist Church in North Vernon, Gus married Millie Pierce. Gus retired as an Insurance Appraiser with Fireman's Fund Insurance of Indianapolis. He commuted to Indianapolis daily and worked primarily in Indiana and surrounding states. He began his career in auto body repair and was in management for 20 years at Webster Chevrolet in North Vernon. He also farmed for many years and loved restoring antique International Farmall tractors and equipment. His farm has been in the same family for over 100 years and is registered with the State of Indiana as a Hoosier Homestead Farm. He always bragged what a wonderful family he had. He enjoyed 54 years of marriage with his wife and farming activities with his sons, Jeff and Pete. He was also close to his grandsons, Tom, Bailey and Brady. Gus also enjoyed a close relationship with his church family at the First Baptist Church in Seymour. There was never a question as to his greatest acoomplishment, which was his family and friends. Gus has had many pets during his lifetime. He always had a pet dog. In recent years, his closest companion was a blond Labrador named Annie. She followed Gus around the farm and was always by his side. He was active in his church and has served as a deacon, trustee and usher. He was a 48 year member of the Mason Lodge #59 of North Vernon, and was a member of the Eastern Star #183 of North Vernon. He was a former Chapter Dad of the Rainbow for Girls Assembly #84 and served Jennings County on the county council, as a county township trustee and as a county commissioner for District I. Gus also served the Jennings County Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer fireman. He also volunteered at the Jennings County Schools, specifically Hayden Elementary, as a Volunteer Grandpa. Gus was an avid reader explaining why he enjoyed working with children at Hayden Elementary. He enjoyed 19 years of driving a bus for Jennings County Schools. His favorite song was "Amazing Grace" and he always looked forward to attending his adult Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in Seymour. Gus was very active in the Democrat party and founded the Jennings County Young Democrats. He later became a "Reagan Democrat" and was an avid supporter of the Republican Party after President Reagan. Although he was not able to vote in this election, he was very outspoken about his contempt for the Obama Administration. Survivors include his wife and two sons Jeff of North Vernon and Pete (Mindy) Burgmeier of Seymour. He is also survived by three grandsons, Tom (Jennifer) Burgmeier of Harleysville, PA, Bailey Wayne and Brady Wayne Burgmeier of Seymour. Other family includes his brother in law Bob Thomas of Brownstown; 2 nieces Margo Burnside of Freetown and Anne Carlin of Brownstown; 1 nephew, Clif Thomas of Brownstown. Gus was preceded in death by his parents and a sister in law, Ethel Pierce Thomas. A visitation will take place on Friday, October 5th from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at the First Baptist Church at 505 Community Drive in Seymour. Masonic Lodge #59 of North Vernon will conduct a Masonic Service at 7:00p.m. Friday. Services will be held at 10:00a.m. Saturday at the church with Rev. Dan Barringer officiating. Burial will follow services at the Vernon Cemetery. Woodlawn Family Funeral Centre in Seymour has been entrusted with the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church in Seymour. Friends may send messages to the family through our website at www.WoodlawnFamilyFuneral.com.