Gail Bernice Buerkley

FUNERAL SERVICES: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28th at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset VISITATION: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 28th at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids INTERMENT: Henrietta Township Cemetery family plot GAIL BERNICE BUERKLEY October 19, 1922 ~ February 21, 2009 Gail (Larson) Buerkley died Saturday, February 21, 2009, at Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN. She was 86 years old. Gail was born on October 19, 1922, at Pine Point Township, Ponsford, MN to Henry and Grace (Palmer) Larson. Gail was baptized and confirmed at Ponsford Evangelical Lutheran Church. She attended country school and received her 8th Grade diploma from Detroit Lakes, MN. On September 26, 1941, she married Albert Buerkley of Fredonia, ND. Theirs was the first marriage at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Ponsford, MN. In 1942, the couple purchased a farm in Henrietta Township, west of Dorset, where they raised their family and had a successful farming business, including logging, cattle, swine and poultry. Gail lived on the farm until late 2007 when Alzheimer"s made it necessary for her to live at Heritage. An active member of Dorset"s First English Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) since 1942, Gail was a member of the Ruth Circle, LWML, youth choir director in the early 70"s, Active Christian Teens leader, and served on the Altar Guild. Gail was very creative and started making banners in the 1970"s. She created more than 30 banners and continued to be responsible for hanging them in the church as the seasons changed and events occurred through 2004. Gail was full of life and very active in the community. She was a Hubbard County 4-H leader for 10 years; a member of Park Rapids Eagles 870 Auxiliary and named Sister Eagle of the Year in 1999. She loved dancing, playing cards with her friends, going to family gatherings and events, and traveling. She always had her hands busy. She made many embroidered quilts, crazy quilts, counted cross-stitch pictures, did knitting, crocheting, sewing, and created endless craft projects. She collected salt & pepper shakers. Gail was the family historian and has the photo albums and newspaper clippings to show it. Gail is survived by her four children, Henry (Mary) Buerkley of St. Francis, MN, Donald (Sandy) Buerkley of Cumberland, WI, Conrad Buerkley of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Lila (Ken) Kalish of Park Rapids, MN; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, and scores of nieces and nephews. Gail was preceded in death by her husband, Albert, brothers Palmer (Verla) Larson and Dean (Anna) Larson, and sister, Erma (Edwin) Momb. A joyous visitation for Gail will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 28th at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. The funeral service will be conducted at First English Lutheran Church in Dorset with Reverend Chris Davis officiating at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28th. Casketbearers will be: Scott Buerkley, Michael Buerkley, Justin Buerkley, Everett Buerkley, DeLynn Burkle & Jim Momb. Honorary Casketbearers will be Gail"s Godchildren: Jeanne Massie, Janice (Larson) Linkhart, Scott Buerkley & Michele (Missy Buerkley) Baker and the members of The Mary/Dorcas Circle of the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset. Her interment will be in the Henrietta Township Cemetery family plot immediately following the funeral service. A luncheon will be served following the service.