Martha Buresch

A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Martha Buresch, age 88, of Lakefield will be held on Monday, June 23rd at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Lakefield. Burial will be at Lakefield City Cemetery in Lakefield.

A visitation for Martha will be held on Sunday, June 22nd from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Lakefield. Visitation will continue on Monday at the church for one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in Martha’s memory to the Sunset Hospice Cottage of Worthington and the United Methodist Church of Lakefield.

Martha Louise (Neuman) Buresch was born on July 13, 1936, on a farm north of Mountain Lake, MN. She was the daughter of Richard Neuman and Lillian (Hintze) Neuman. Family and friends knew her as “Marty.” She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mountain Lake. She attended various country schools through the eighth grade. She left high school in ninth grade to care for her ailing mother and younger sisters, and to help her father on the farm. The family moved from Mountain Lake to another farm in Sioux Valley Township in 1951. In 1955, she was engaged to the love of her life, Emil Buresch, but his induction into the U.S. Army postponed their wedding plans until after his discharge. They were married on October 19, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux Valley, MN. The couple settled on the Buresch family farm east of Lakefield, where they raised their three sons, Michael, Byron, and Keith. For over 50 years, Martha and Emil, wholly devoted to each other and their family, journeyed through the many challenges and successes of farming.

Martha was an active member of Lakefield First United Methodist Church for 67 years, teaching Sunday school, Bible study, and serving in church leadership. Her steadfast dedication to her faith throughout her life was an inspiration to many. She was compassionate to those around her and diligent in all her pursuits. Martha maintained a large garden and enjoyed canning, sewing, and reading. All who sat at her table can attest to what a tremendous cook she was. Martha was a member of the Jackson County Saddle Club and enjoyed riding horses in her younger years. Although her prior schooling was cut short, she earned her GED in 1976. She kept the farm records and was a meticulous bookkeeper. She put high emphasis on education and saw her children and grandchildren all graduate from college. In retirement, Martha and Emil moved off the farm to a home in Lakefield in 2002. In her later years, she continued her lifelong pursuits and enjoyed her eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Martha went to be with her Lord on June 17, 2025, with her family by her side at Sunset Cottages in Worthington, MN.

Martha is survived by her sons, Michael (Susan) Buresch and Byron (Keri) Buresch of Lakefield; daughter-in-law, Pauline Buresch of Windom; grandchildren, Sarah Buresch of Burnsville, Rachel (John) Bartz of Monticello, Michelle Buresch of Minneapolis, Daron (Jody) Buresch of Lakefield, Isaac (Tana) Buresch of Jackson, Amanda (Casey) Jandera and Luke (Emily) Buresch of Lakefield; seventeen great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth (Barry) Johnson of Mesa, AZ, Margaret (Ronald) Fransen of Alpha, and Dorothy Benda of Alpha; and sister-in-law, Gwen Buresch of Plymouth.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Emil; son, Keith; grandson, Levi Buresch; brothers-in-law, Donald Benda and Raymond Buresch; her parents; and infant brother, Allan Neuman.