In loving memory of

Alice O. Burmahl
December 13, 1939 - December 30, 2008



Alice O. Burmahl age 69 of Maquoketa Iowa died suddenly on Tuesday December 302008.0 at the Genesis Medical Center East Campus in Davenport Iowa.


A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday January 32009.0 from the Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday January 22009.0 from the Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa Iowa. Burial will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery Maquoketa Iowa.


Alice O. Larkey was born on December 13 1939 in Jones County Iowa to Alvin O. Larkey and Ella L. (Lorenzen) Larkey. She was a graduate of Onslow High School and then attended and graduated from UNI in Cedar Falls. She married Donald Burmahl on July 26 1975 in Bellevue Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 8 1987.


After graduating from college she taught 8 years at Keystone now Benton Community. She then started her first of 34 years of teaching 5th grade in Maquoketa. She retired in 2004. 


Alice had also been involved outside of the classroom. She served on the Board of Directors of the Maquoketa Country Club and the PALS board for many years. She held every office of the Maquoketa Education Association at least once. She had volunteered at the Hurstville Interpretive Center and the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa most notably in the diabetes area.


Alice was a social person who enjoyed traveling crafts reading playing cards sports as a spectator and bowling. She had been involved in many bowling leagues throughout her life. Her true passion though was her love of golf and the association she had with it. She had served as the women’s golf committee chairman for over 35 years was Maquoketa’s Three-Rivers chair and was a regular attendee at many country club golf events and functions. She also loved her daily contact with many friends as well as her morning coffee group that would stop at her house.


Alice is survived by: a sister- Marilyn Vlietstra of Birnamwood WI; a brother- Robert (Myrna) Larkey of Maquoketa IA; 2 sisters-in-law- Marcella Burmahl of Maquoketa IA & Nola (Bill) Hoover of Cedar Rapids IA; a brother-in-law- Warren Roberts of Maquoketa IA; & numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents her husband & a sister- Roseann Roberts.


In lieu of other expressions of sympathy an Alice O. Burmahl Memorial Fund has been established.


Online Condolences may be left at www.carsonandson.com.


Tributes

Robin Nims wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Where do I start with the memories. I guess the best place would be the Country Club. Thank you Alice for all of those Friday nights sunny days on the patio and golfing yes there was a lot of golfing. You also were a great teacher to my 2 children. You will be greatly missed."

Dixie Elkins Merritt wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Alice was a great neighbor and would always honk and wave as she drove out of her driveway. She would bring over to the house on Halloween a decorated mason jar full of candy corn and dry roasted nuts for the boys. She was two of my sons teacher in fifth grade and she made a BIG difference in their lives. She was a very friendly and knowledgedable person and will be truely missed."

VICKIE KUHLMAN wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"What started out to be just another fun trip to davenport ended so painfully. I am so proud to be one of the many who called Alice their good buddy. She never liked to ask for help but was always willing to give it. Our early morning coffee days were among her favorites. We solved alot of the worlds problems on those days. She was a strong independent woman which I had alot of respect for. Knowing her all these years has changed and enriched my life more than I can say. I will miss her forever."

Megan Nims wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"I will always remember Alice as one of my favorite teachers. She taught me so much in 5th grade that I still use to this day. I remember I was terrified the day I found out that she was going to be my teacher because I used to get chewed out in the hallways before I was her student for running my fingers on the wall. When I actually had her as a teacher I thought she was the best. I will always remember her for the teacher who didn't believe in homework! Alice was also a very good friend of my mother. I remember going out to the country club to see my mom and Alice always being there. Alice was the one of the kindest ladies I have ever met. My sympathy goes out to her family."

Jessica Flanery wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"We are so sorry to hear the loss of Alice.. Her name always gets brought up when we talk about grade school and reminisce about our younger years.. I know for a fact she liked me in class better then Pat since I wasn't a trouble maker yet at that age.. :-) She was always a sweet woman in and outside of the school.. She will be greatly missed by all.. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.. With deepest Sympathy Jessica and Pat Flanery "

George & Joyce Houston wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"THIS WAS A TERRIBLE SHOCK TO US AS WE JUST TALKED TO HER THE NIGHT BEFORE. SHE TAUGHT ALL THREE OF MY CHILDREN' SHE WAS ALWAYS SMILING AND TALKED TO YOU NO MATTER WHERE YOU WERE. SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSED. SHE WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER."

John & Judy Stein wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"We are so very sorry to learn of Alice's passing. She was a special person and we will miss her."

Cindy Heck wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Wow I don't even know where to begin. She touched a lot of lives through a lot of different avenues. I will always remember her golf addiction and I thank her for passing it on to me! Grass never grew under her feet she was a busy woman. She was like a second mom to me and I will miss her a lot!"

Lisa Oetken wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"As the shock is wearing off my memories of Alice are flooding in. As a 5th grader I never would have dreamed that one day I would be using friend to describe my relationship with Miss Larkey. She was such a force at Briggs. She wasn't my homeroom teacher but I had her for a few subjects and I had lot of respect for her and a little fear as well. I can still remember how it felt to have her stop behind me in the lunch room squeeze my shoulder and encourage me to eat my vegetables. I would stop and visit her as an older student and the fear disappeared but the respect never did. When I started to play golf as an adult she was always so helpful and patient. She showed me the ropes at the club and took me under her wing when we traveled to invitationals at other clubs. I didn't see her very often anymore but I will truly miss her."

Carol (Devine) Goebel wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Alice was a neat lady with a driving passion for teaching and golfing.Her sisterRoseannwas one of my favorites! She will be missed by many old students of hers. My sympathy to the family.SincerelyCarol (Devine) Goebel"

Leo & Cynthia Seng wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Alice's great smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed. She diud so much for so many."

Kathy True wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Dear Family I wanted to send my sympathy. I remember Alice being a very nice teacher. We live in a homey community and there is always good memories of people who have had a part in our lives. Hope you find comfort in you memories of Alice. She was a good lady. Kathy True"

Kristen Laughlin wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Where do i begin? i never had Alice as a teacher but she taught my mom Tracy and from what she told me Alice was an amazing teacher. The last time i saw Alice was just over my xmas break. She was always interested in how i was doing in school and always asking about Cohl and Brianna. I alwyas knew when she was out at Obies because once an order came back for her regular meal i made sure i was the one to take it out to her and i would stand there and talk to her for a while. i loved talkin to her. when my mom called and told me that she had passed away i was in total shock. i wish i could make it home again for the services but i unfortunately am back to mason city for school. but to Alice's entire family you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Alice will be greatly missed. she was an amazing leady with a huge heart!!! May she rest in peace."

Marie Rossmann wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"I always ejoyed seeing and working with Alice at inservices and other events between Cardinal and Briggs. I also worked with her through MEA. Alice will be missed by many in the community."

Susan Sheets wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"I've known Alice since I was little. Her and Don used to come to our house on Sunday nights and have pizza with my family. She continued long after Don passed away. She was a remarkable woman. She helped me buy my first set of golf clubs. She was even at my house for my senior prom. She will be missed by many."

Buddy & Myrna Olson wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

""

Tracy Laughlin wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"What can I say? Alice was an inspiration to me. Out of all the teachers I had she is one I will never forget. Then a few years ago I got the chance to get to know her as a friend. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by all that had the chance to know her!!"

DeeAnn Flenker wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"During the '72 - '73 school year Miss Larkey was my 5th grade school teacher. She increased my interest in bowling and brought me out of my shell. One day in class I slipped up and called her mom. The rest is history as we remained friends ever since. Alice was a great listener. Her house has been my hiding spot for our family's Christmas presents. Last week as I wrapping up a bathrobe Alice was still my teacher giving me advice from her recliner on how to fold it and when she felt a package needed a little more tape. She was always stirring something up in the kitchen-soup cookies banana bread or liver & onions and sharing it with her many friends. Kevin I and the kids will miss ALIEOPS very much. Our sympathy to the family."

Jennifer Gavin wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Alice was one of my favorite teachers! I will never forget her teaching me about the states and capitals. You couldn't leave her room until you knew them all! I also loved it when she read aloud. She was a very honest person. You always knew where you stood with Alice. She was the first teacher to tell me that I talked too much! Alice was a wonderful lady that touched so many lives in so many ways over the years. She will be missed."

Donna Heister wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Wow what a shock! Although Miss Alice never taught me in school she was a teacher to me in many other ways! What a wonderful person. MIss Alice & I had many of chats & laughs at Obies or the times at her house enjoying a bar or cookie that she just made. I so much enjoyed talking with her at Obies with her glass of ice tea or two or three!! She always talked about her golfing and her little golfing trips. Although I never golfed I was always interested on how her golfing was going for her. Once in awhile we thought we could solve all the problems in the world but I see that we really didn't but we thought we did!! I know I will miss our chats at Obies. She was a person of knowledgeand true friendship. Miss Alice was always ready to help others. There was a few times she would ask me if I needed her to wash glasses for me at Obies. She is a person I will never forget & all that she has taught me. Will keep your family in thought & prayer during this difficult time."

Kathy Seyfert wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"I have so many great memories of Alice. She was one of a kind. I was not fortunate enough to have had her for a teacher but the fear that my girls had of her as they approached 5th grade always made me laugh. I bowled with Alice for many years and my daughters would always want to tag along. As the girls would sit on her lap as she helped them with their homework their fears disappeared and I realized she had a great compassion for children and wanting them all to succeed. I was also lucky enough to have golfed regulary with Alice for many years. Although I never seemed to get any better that didn't stop her from pushing me and correcting me. Golfing won't be the same without her!"

Chalette Gerischer wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"What a wonderful women friend and teacher. Alice was a awesome lady...You will be missed...The Gerischer's"

Wendy Scott wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"What a shock! Alice was such a wonderful gal always full of life and ready to take part in it. She will be missed by many. Whether your contact with Alice was only in passing or daily she was such a joy to visit with. My sympathies to her family and many other friends."

Deb (Varner) Bowling wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Wow it is truly a shock to the community! I will always remember her as Miss Larkey. We always had alot ofrespect for her in school. I think theboys were more afraid of her then theywere of Killer Kellam. I rememberher and Miss Mohrfeld (Mrs. Jean Anderson) always chatting on the playground when we were out for recess.Then as I got older I remember when sheand Don got married. I didn't even know he had s real name. I knew him as Blimp.My heart goes out to her family and herfriends who will miss her most! She was one heck of a teacher and I'm sure gladmy 3 daughters all had the pleasure of having her as a teacher also. She made a difference in alot of peoples lives."

Donald wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"It is hard to believe that Miss Larkey is gone. She may have Mrs. Burmahl to many people but to me she will always be Miss Larkey. I remember so many things about her the 1st being that she was just a complete force of life. She was my teacher in 5th grade and every time she came into a room things began to move. One time she asked me how a certain group of Indians had come to be a certain place. Well I didn't know so i said 'Because God put them there.' She laughed and replied 'He may have but that's not the answer I'm lookking for.' And then there was the time when Miss Strumpel was accidentally thrown into the water at Eden Valley on the last day of school picnic - but we won't go into that..."

MARK ROBERTS wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"MAQUOKETA WILL NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT ALICE. ONE OF MY FIRST ENCOUNTERS WITH ALICE WAS A CAR RIDE TO THE FARM IN ONE OF THE T BIRDS(I THINK). I DID NOT KNOW A CAR COULD TRAVEL AT THIS SPEED ON COUNTRY ROADS AND REMAIN ON THE GROUND I WAS CERTAIN MY LIFE WAS GOING TO BE SHORT BUT WE ALL SURVIVED. ALICE ALWAYS MADE YOU FEEL LIKE A FRIEND AND ALWAYS ENLIVENED THE CONVERSATION. ALL OF HER LOVE AND CONCERN FOR HER KIDS WILL CARRY ON FOR YEARS TO COME."

Jayne (Schnoor) Vest wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Alice was a great friend of our family. I remember her often stopping out to Mom and Dad's house to sit around the kitchen table and visit. We had some good laughs! We all enjoyed her company.I was shocked to hear of her passing. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her. She was a fine lady. . ."

and Respect. The Fear factor was not your run of t wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"I find a common thread in the tributes from past students with my my memories of Alice as a teacher. Fear"

CHARLOTTE ROBERTS wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"WE WILL ALL MISS HER VERY MUCH.GOD HAS A SPECIAL PLACE FOR HAPPY PEOPLE. SHE CAN NOW JOIN WITH ROSEANNAND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILY."

Todd Sloan wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"Convictions...reasoning...right and wrong...the rules. She was a GREAT teacher. She taught me how to sew and how to write I will not chew gum in class. 1000 times. She taught me more than just in the classroom. As a father of two college age daughters I have often used her teaching examples in parenting. She will be missed but she is in a better place."

Elizabeth E.Lind wrote on Dec 30, 2008:

"I am so sorry to hear about AliceI just heard of your loss. I used to golf with Alice years ago and we meant to hook up this last summer and golf but regretfully we never did.She wil be missed by all. I truely enjoyed her company especially her sense of humor.Again I am so sorry for your loss."