Burton Levi Sundberg

Burton Levi Sundberg, 99, of Willmar, MN passed away Sunday, May 31st at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. His memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 16th at Refuge Church in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service. Burial with Military Honors will be at 9:00 am, Tuesday, at Clover Leaf Cemetery in Willmar. Memorials are preferred. Arrangements are pending with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Burton's service will be livestreamed on the church's YouTube page ( https://youtube.com/live/R7i6xvpvoEM )

The youngest of 12 children, Burton Levi Sundberg was born October 15, 1926, to Nels and Kate (Lodien) Sundberg in Isanti, MN. He attended Skalin Country School in Isanti. After a few years, the family moved to Princeton, MN where they continued their education until high school age. An ensuing move took the family west to Oregon where Burt and other siblings enrolled at Klamath Falls High School.  Burt graduated in 1945 and shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army and served as PFC in Augsburg, Germany during World War II. He received his honorable discharge in October of 1946.

Following his  military service, Burton joined his parents and a few of his siblings back to Minnesota where they had relocated. He continued his education at Cambridge High School, taking postgraduate courses before attending Bethel College and later St. Cloud State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. He went on to receive his Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota Library School. Burton taught school in Isanti and also some courses in mathematics at the collegiate level in Ellendale, ND. After 2 years, he began his career as the Isanti County Librarian. In 1957 he accepted a position as Director of the Willmar Public Library, where he helped develop the library into a regional system serving nine counties. Burton faithfully served as Library Director for 35 years before retiring on December 31, 1991.

At a young age, Burton met Donna Rask, a gifted and beautiful young woman who would later become his wife. The couple was united in marriage on August 22, 1952 in Isanti and were blessed with four children: Craig, Greta, Karen, and Karol.

Burton accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 16 and was later baptized at First Baptist Church in Klamath Falls. He became an active member of First Baptist Church (Refuge) in Willmar. At the church, Burton served in numerous capacities which included teaching Sunday School, choir director, church librarian, deacon and trustee member. He also used his skills in lay ministry at surrounding area churches. Burton and Donna were gifted in music ministry. They often sang duets together as well as other ensembles including quartets, trios, etc.

He enjoyed and was active in the Refuge Men’s Bible Study. As it became more difficult to attend in person, he kept friendships intact with members who would encourage, pray and support him as often as they could.

Burton and Donna loved traveling, particularly their yearly trips to Jekyll Island (GA) to visit family. Burton used his carpentry skills to build a cabin on Lake Henderson where he treasured time spent with family. Burton also enjoyed staying active, whether golfing at Valley Golf Course in Willmar or playing an occasional tennis match. He valued the many friendships he made through the years. Above all, Burton was a loving and devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was a spiritual leader in their lives. He cherished his time attending grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s numerous activities and was proud of all their accomplishments.

Burton is survived by his children: Craig (Joyce) Sundberg of Willmar, Greta (Glen) Pridgen of Athens, GA, Karen Brower of Willmar, and Karol (Gordy) Jacobson of Lebanon, OH; grandchildren: Leif (Victoria) Sundberg, Emily Pridgen (friend Sanquan), Nolan (Melissa) Pridgen, Traci (Chad) Sportel, Jennifer Swenson, Jason (Moriah) Brower, Tyler (Alyssa) Brower, Jessi Jacobson, Jeremiah Jacobson, and Joel (Aarushi) Jacobson; bonus grandchildren: Brian (Kristin) Elkjer, and Kristi (Ryan) DeGree; and his 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna Sundberg; daughter-in-law, Glori Sundberg; siblings: Willard (Lenore) Sundberg, Dennis (Audrey) Sundberg, Alex Sundberg, Phillip (Dorothy) Sundberg, Wesley Sundberg, Nils Phillip Sundberg, Viola (Rodney) Larson, Lauren (Phyllis, Lucille) Sundberg, Gordon (Bette) Sundberg, Wilma (Randy) Beckstrom, and Astrid (Merlin) Erickson.

The family is grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by the staff at Bethesda Grand in particular First Floor South. We are also thankful for the Hospice Care givers who spent time with Burton and family in his last days.

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