Harry Stephen Buersmeyer
December 27, 1930 ~ June 21, 2025
Harry Stephen Buersmeyer, 94, of Westphalia, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025.
He was united in marriage on October 25, 1952, in Westphalia to Rita Marie Holterman and they celebrated 72 years of marriage in 2024.
He was born December 27, 1930, in Westphalia, Missouri, the son of Herman and Theresia (Berhorst) Buersmeyer.
Harry served 2 years in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
Harry spent his life as a farmer and worked several years in construction for Herman Kempker Construction Company. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia for his entire life, a member of the American Legion in Jefferson City, and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Harry and Rita enjoyed going dancing together, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball and traveling to the Boonville Casino to play the penny slots. Harry also enjoyed working in his garden and sharing the produce with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Rita Buersmeyer, Westphalia; a daughter, Diana (Alan) Gerling, Jefferson City; two grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) Gerling, Kristen (Andy) Berhorst; four great grandchildren, Tyler Gerling, Zach Gerling, Abbie Berhorst, and Avery Berhorst; and close family friends, Karen and Danny Christensen and their family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Matilda Crader, Regina Schmidt, Albina Schaefer; and a brother, Clarence Buersmeyer.
Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dylan Schrader and Deacon Tom Gerling officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Helias Catholic High School or for Masses.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia. trimblefunerals.com
Services
Visitation: Thursday, June 26, 2025 9:00 am - 11:00 am
St. Joseph Catholic Church
125 East Main Street
Westphalia, Missouri 65085
Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, June 26, 2025 11:00 am
St. Joseph Catholic Church
125 East Main Street
Westphalia, Missouri 65085
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Harry will be greatly missed by all the Stonebridge staff. It won’t be the same without him! I consider it an honor to have known him. Prayers and hugs to Rita, Diane and all the family.
Diana and family.
So sorry for your loss.
Harry was a gentleman and a gentle man. When tellling a story, his twinkling eyes and smile had all listeners smiling, too. He leaves family and friends with precious memories.
Prayers and hugs to Rita, Diana, and all the family. I am sorry for your loss.
JoAnn and Ron Mertz.
Rita and I worked at Unilever over 20 years. Prayers for Rita and Diane and family. RIP Harry.
Harry and Rita would visit us often at The Missouri Bar for “coffee breaks.” I always enjoyed visiting with both of them and they always shared their home grown produce with us. Harry always had a story to share and I always enjoyed visiting with him. I am so very sorry for you loss.
Hugs and prayers to Rita, Diana, and all of Harry’s family. May your memories of him bring you peace and comfort.
Rita, Diane & family,
We have so many fond memories of Saturday night dances with Harry & Rita. We were just “babies” when Darryl started playing drums with the C&O Boys and Harry and Rita were the best “groupies”. We loved spending time with both and our memories are strong. Harry taught me to play pool and we loved watching them dance. So much love & hugs.
Harry and Rita are really good friends of mom at Westphalia Hills. Harry will be missed by everyone. May he rest in peace and that Rita will be comforted by family and friends.