Carol J. Burchette
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Carol J. Burchette, age 80, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on March 16, 2025, at home while surrounded by her loving family. To honor Carol’s life, a private family memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Carol’s family.
Carol was born on February 8, 1945, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to Joseph and Margaret (Abitz) Brimeyer. She was blessed with a servants heart, an unceasing amount of mother’s love, and a determination to truly make a difference in the world with each and every day she was given. She eventually met and married the love of her life, Ron Burchette, and the two faced the world hand in hand until he was sadly called home ahead of her in 2008. Carol spent her working career as a social worker with the Lutheran Social Services for over 20 years. She would faithfully commit her work and home life to the betterment of those around her and the legacy Carol lived out in her daily life will truly be felt in the generations she leaves behind.
Carol valued her free-time as well and in true Carol fashion, it was continually spent showering others with her love and adoration. An afternoon visiting with friends around the card table at the Lifetime Center was a regular occurrence, but the monthly sisters and cousins nights were always a priority too. When it came to family, Carol was always there to lead by example. Whether it was in the delicious meals she prepared daily with the perfect amount of love sprinkled into each dish, the hand-sewn outfits for the grandkids, or the unbridled enthusiasm of decorating and preparing her home for the next family holiday gathering; Carol was relentless in making sure that those she cared for most were given a constant reminder that they were her pride and joy through and through. But, for those who knew Carol best, the testimony of opening her home to over 1000 foster kiddos over the years was the finest example of where her heart discovered real and tangible fulfillment. Carol redefined motherhood without hesitation and relentlessly gave more of herself than she would ever contemplate taking. She was undeniably the finest example of the God-given title of “Mom” and thankfully countless lives were not only graced with her generous influence for a short time, but also impacted for the remainder of their lifetimes in a real and positive manner.
Those left behind to cherish the memory of Carol include,
her beloved children,
Ron (Jodi) Burchette, Eldridge, IA,
Amy Espinoza, Schaumberg, IL,
Ronda (Scott Goettsch) Dies, Eldridge, IA,
Scott (Melissa) Burchette, Honolulu, HI,
and Brad (Emily) Burchette, Dubuque, IA;
her adored grandchildren,
Bailey, Tanner, Austin, Adrian, Ashton, Olivia, Jacob, Joseph, Emilia, Cecilia, Bella, Brylee, Braelyn, T.J., Jason, Tyler, Travis, Amanda and Josh;
her great-grandchildren,
Dakota, Dylan, Drew, Connor, Caleb, Laney, Charlie, Annabelle, Nolan, Lucy, Dexter, Jenna, Brianna, Jamie and Jocelyn;
her siblings,
Marie McCaffery, Dubuque, IA,
Susan (Virgil) Bockenstedt, Dubuque, IA,
Janette (Dave) Bedtka, Lockport, IL,
and Christine (Randy) Dempewolf, Dubuque IA;
her sister-in-law,
Mary Kay Brimeyer, Dubuque, IA;
along with countless foster children, extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Anne Wernimont; her siblings, Margaret (Pat) O’Connell, Joe Brimeyer, and Barb (Rich) Mueller; her in-law’s, Walter (Olive) Burchette; and her brother-in-law, Mac McCaffery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carol’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Carol’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Carol and her family. We would also like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Amanda and Austin for all of the generous love and support through the more difficult times. May the Lord bless you all for the kindnesses you so faithfully shared with others.
Online condolences may be shared with Carol’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
To honor Carol’s life, a private family memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque.
My condolences to the family.
Carol often spoke of her family at euchre. Her pride and love of her family were so evident and brought her much joy. May the family know that prayers are offered that the wonderful memories help to ease this transition and bring many smiles as you also experience such pain. May God bless you all. I feel so blessed to have known and loved her.
As a Child Protective Services social worker in Dubuque, I placed several children in the home of Ron and Carol Burchette. We became good friends and eventually I trusted Carol with my own two children every day after school. She was always caring, funny, generous with time (and food), and straightforward in giving opinions and advice. She was a terrific mom, and a wonderful friend. Shortly before she passed, we were able to talk on the phone, and I will always be grateful for that opportunity. I know how much her family and friends loved her, and how much she gave to the world – there will never be another like her.
Feeling blessed to have known and worked with Carol, as well as her husband Ronnie and their family. Carol was an effective mentor, valued coworker, and regardless of your sense of humor, she was going to be able to make you laugh. Words cannot do justice to the example of unconditional caring Carol and Ronnie showed others, and it is an honor to continue to strive to meet the standard they have set.
A saint has passed into the gates of heaven. Thank you for all you have done for our family. To her family, so sorry for your loss!