Maureen H. Vetter, age 76, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Friday, March 26, 2021, after a long illness.
Maureen was born January 11, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to Harold and Marie (O’Connor) Burnson. Maureen grew up in Chicago and graduated from Lourdes High School. She went to work at Mead Paper in Chicago where she met Erwin (Erv), and they were united in marriage on October 9, 1965. Shortly after marrying, they moved to Dayton, Ohio, and then to Gladstone in 1976.
With her strong interest in medicine, Maureen could have easily had a successful career in that field. Instead, she chose to use her intelligence and her caring, generous nature to be the best wife, mother, and grandmother possible. She set examples of how to live by laughing until she cried, singing along with the radio, loving God with all her heart, and heaping endless praise upon her children and grandchildren, taking absolute delight in their actions and conversations. The laundry could wait while she played with the kids, and birthdays were meant to be celebrated! She was often complimented on her beautiful handwriting and melodic voice, which one family friend described this way: she sounded like a flower, if flowers could talk. She loved to play cards, she made an excellent tickle-monster, she told the spookiest ghost stories, and she could do spot-on impressions of cartoon characters. While her quality of life was greatly diminished year after year, she was not one to complain. She handled her illness like everything else, with grace and a thankful heart. In this way, even through her death, she continued teaching those around her.
A devoted parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Maureen was a part of the guild and also taught CCD classes for many years. She was an officer of the PTC at her children’s school, and she was a former president of Pregnancy Services of Delta County. Maureen enjoyed being a part of her bowling league, and for years, she was a loving caregiver for the Rick and Judy Jensen family.
Maureen is survived by husband Erv; children Monica (Scott) Anderson, Joanne (Edward) Bober, Eric (Sharon) Vetter, Pamela (fiancé Jeff Stevens) Jessen, and Todd (Melinda) Vetter; grandchildren Paige, Tony, Jenny, Emily, Theresa, Daniel, Katie, Andrew, Kyle, Brandon, Taylor, Brenden, Nathan, Lauren, and Regan; siblings Robert (Eileen) Burnson, Allan Burnson, Kevin (Norma) Burnson, Karen (Ariel) Daza, Charles (Galina) Burnson, Virginia (Robert) Szymkowski, Michael (Jenny) Burnson, and sister-in-law Helena Packer-Burnson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Dennis Burnson and John Burnson, sister Eileen Clapsaddle, sister-in-law Christine Burnson, son-in-law Greg Jessen, and niece Annie Burnson.
Her family is very appreciative of the special care given to Maureen by her end-of-life caregivers, Rose and Linda.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Maureen’s name may be directed to Pregnancy Services of Delta County.
Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial honoring Maureen will be held Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wells with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Maureen will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
Diane J Carter - SARATOGA, CA
Thank you for the beautiful obituary for my cousin Maureen. I have not seen her since childhood but the description of her life is like my memories of Maureen, a beautiful girl with a sense of humor and great personality. I did not know about her singing talent. Her Aunt Carol was a talented singer and there were many musicians in the Burnson family, perhaps in the O’Conner family as well. My deepest condolence to all of her friends and family.
Love, Diane Burnson Carter
Marcia Przybocki Nowak - Portage, IN
Goodbye My Dear friend Maureen (Mo). I am in tears. I have so many good memories of you and I in High School. We were Best friends. We bowled on the bowling league. We worked together at Mead Paper Co. We hung out all the time. I stood up in your Wedding to Erv. I will miss you everyday. I wish I would have gotten to see you again..but so many miles apart. Thank you for all the posts about my family and my pets. I love you Dear Friend of long ago..RiP Dear Friend..RiP. xoxoxoxo
Jennifer Burnson - Chicago , IL
She was the sweetest most genuine kind person I have ever known. She had a smile and a hug for everyone and will be sorely missed.
Taerra (Damon) Weldon - Mesa , AZ
Maureen took care of me as a child. Her kindness and warmth will always be remembered, as well as her humor and singing voice. My thoughts are with those that she left behind. We grieve with you for the loss of this wonderful woman.
Judy Jensen - Gladstone , Mi
Maureen was all of everything mentioned and more than words can explain. Her kind, and generous caregiving talents impacted our five children. Each of our children remembered the special treats ( pixy sticks, skittles and movies) that made each day extra special. There are so many memories to hold onto forever.
Our prayers go out to Erv and all of the family! With Love: Judy, Rick Chris, Carrie, Kyle, Kollin and Callie Jensen
Robin - Indianapolis, IN
The Vetter house was warm and welcoming! I know this was greatly due to Maureen. Loved Visiting Joanne and her siblings in Dayton Ohio when we were in Elementary school. I remember Maureen singing “Locomotion” in the kitchen and all of the Vetter kids would make a train and dance. I would join and dance along with delight!
Chris Jensen - Chicago, IL
Maureen was my caregiver for many years. The first person to greet me each day when I returned from school. I have many fond memories of her storytelling abilities and her go to snack she would make for me – bananas and milk. She was a wonderful woman and had such a positive impact on my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mark Miller - Escanaba, MI
Erv and family, so sorry to hear of Maureen’s passing. Although it’s been a long time since I’ve talked to her, I knew her to be a nice and kind wife, mother and friend. May she Rest In Peace.
Shirley Burnson - Lake Zurich, IL
What a beautiful woman. She had endless love for her family, friends, and life. She will be missed but will be reunited with her loving family in heaven. What joy!
Tom & Julie Szymkowski - Farmington Hills, MI
We did not know Maureen other than the kind words that her sister Ginni spoke. Know that our prayers are with Maureen and the entire family.
Diane Hogan - DeKalb, IL
My heart and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Erv, you and Maureen were the very first “Burnson” Tom introduced me to so many years ago. She was SO beautiful, inside and out. I do wish I had been able to be there. She will always be in both my memory and my heart. May all prayers be with you. Diane (Tom) Hogan.
Helene M Nelson - Madison, WI
Condolences to Maureen’s immediate and extended family, as you mourn Maureen’s passing. Thank you for sharing a lovely obituary, which highlighted what a loving and gifted person she was. I wish you comfort and love, in this time when many of us are remembering death and resurrection hope. I write as a Burnson cousin, the daughter of Carol, a singer like Maureen. I am sorry I didn’t know Maureen better. I look forward to seeing other cousins as this pandemic condition ultimately lifts. Best wishes, Helene Nelson