Elizabeth “Betty” Burda, age 87, of Ulen, MN, died Friday, November 26, 2021, at the Vikings Manor Nursing Home, Ulen.
Elizabeth L. Burda was born the daughter of Worth and Vivian (Kiefer) Booth on February 16, 1934 in Albert Lea, MN. She was raised and attended elementary school in Moorhead, MN. As a child, Betty’s mother had passed away so she would spend winters with Dad in Moorhead and summers with her aunts in Albert Lea. The family moved to Ulen where Betty attended the final years of high school, graduating with the Ulen Highschool Class of 1952. After graduation, she worked as a telephone operator in Moorhead. On November 8, 1952, Betty was united in marriage to Merlin Burda in Moorhead. They made their home in Moorhead until Merlin completed his education. The couple moved to Page, ND where Merlin was employed at the Ford Dealership. They returned to the Fargo community after a short time and in 1957, they moved to Hoyt Lakes, MN. In 1963, Merlin and Betty moved to California with their family for the next six years where she worked both as a waitress and a nurses aid. In 1969, Betty and her family returned to the Ulen Community where Betty owned and operated the Whitefeather Drive Inn until 1976. She became employed with American Crystal Sugar in Moorhead in their lab department until retirement. After retirement, the couple moved to Sterling, IL, to be near their Illinois family. In 2002, due to their declining health, the couple moved to Twin Valley and later became residents at the Twin Valley Living Center. When Merlin died in 2018, she continued to make her home in Twin Valley. More recently, Betty has made her home in Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen.
Camping and traveling in their trailer was one of Betty’s favorite pastimes. Betty enjoyed quilting and sewing in her free time. She also loved to sing. Singing anytime she could. Betty’s greatest treasure in life was her family and her friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Betty is survived by two daughters, Glenda (Joe) Rikhus of Ulen, MN and Teresa Lofgren of Fort Lupton, CO; three sons, Kent (Donna) of Twin Valley, MN, Joel (Jan) of Coon Rapids, MN, and Greg (Linda) of Sterling, IL; ten grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; son-in-law, Kim Lofgren; and grandson, Christopher.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 2 at 11:00 AM in the St. William Catholic Church, Twin Valley, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held in St. William Catholic Cemetery following the funeral service.
The service will be recorded for those who are unable to attend. The recording will be available to view on here, following the service. For those who are in attendance, wearing a mask is strongly encouraged.
