Henry Philip Burmeister

HOLYROOD

  Henry Philip Burmeister, 92, of rural Holyrood, KS passed away on May 23, 2026 in Hoisington, KS after a series of medical complications. Henry is pre-deceased by his parents, Henry Louis and Olinda Marie (Besthorn) Burmeister. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Amy “Carolyn” Burmeister, son Philip and daughter-in-law Bernice, daughter Rebecca Guagliardo and son-in law Tony Guagliardo, and grandsons Lucas Guagliardo and Marco Guagliardo. Other survivors include step grandson Ray Sorenson, step granddaughter Leslie Robertson, and step great grandchildren, Zora Sorensen, Leah Robertson, and Jack Robertson. Henry is also survived by his brother Louis Burmeister, sister Ellen Burmeister, and nieces, Elise Getz and Amanda Burmeister.

  A graduate of a one-room, rural elementary school in Barton County (Vinegar Hill), he later attended Holyrood Rural High School and then obtained a Technical Agronomy degree from Kansas School of Agriculture (Kansas State University). He served two years in the Marine Corp where he honed his leadership and decision-making skills. Upon return from the service, he met his wife of 65 years, Carolyn, in Kansas City and proposed to her on a Ferris wheel at the Kansas State Fair.

  Henry was a life-long farmer and rancher in Barton County, KS and was committed to continual improvement of land and livestock. He is best described as a visionary leader and innovator in agribusiness and in his community. He adopted the use of terraces in the 1960’s, no-till farming in the 1970’s, and rotational pasture grazing in the 2000’s long before these concepts were mainstreamed. Henry often supported the Barton Conty Soil Conservation ‘terrace maintenance’ workshops bringing equipment and expertise to the field demonstrations. He was recognized for his conservation leadership with a Barton County Banker’s award for outstanding land stewardship.

  Henry valued his time with family and friends. He and Carolyn became avid square dancers, attending dances throughout the state each year. They served in leadership positions at the Hoisington Swinging Stars Square Dancing Club for several years. At home, he was always seen with his German Shepherd dog (he had many over the years). In his later years, he would enjoy motorcycle rides across the state. He and Carolyn were frequently seen across central Kansas aboard parade floats sponsored by the Isis Shrine.

  Devotion to serving others and his community was a Henry hallmark. Service included several Sunday school leadership roles and board member positions at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (Holyrood), USD 328 Board of Education President, Independent Township board trustee, Barton County Conservation District board, editor for the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ newsletter, Post Rock Rural Water board, and Barton County Zoning & Planning Commission committee member. Henry was an active 65-year member of the Holyrood - Ellsworth Masonic Lodge #146, holding a variety of leadership roles. He was also an active member of the Scottish Rite - Salina Isis Shrine and was an avid supporter of the Herndon Clinic at Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS). A life-long follower of Christ, Henry lived his private and public life according to Ephesian’s 2:8, ‘For by grace are you saved through faith, and not of yourself; it is the gift of God’ and Micah 6:8 ‘He has shown you, o mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’.

  Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2026 at Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth, KS with family present to greet visitors.

  A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lorraine First Baptist Church. A private family burial will take place prior to the service at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Holyrood.

  Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Lorraine or the Herndon Clinic at Fort Hays State University, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

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