Burma Brekke

Burma Olson Brekke, of Crosslake, MN, passed away on January 24, 2025, at the age of 93.

She was born to Oscar and Hazel Olson Brekke on March 21, 1931, in South Dakota. She grew up in the tiny town of Albee, attending Albee Grade School and Revillo High School receiving her diploma in May 1949. She attended Northern State Teacher’s College in Aberdeen, South Dakota and taught in several one-room schools. She moved to Bloomington, Minnesota in 1959, taught fifth grade in the elementary schools, continued her college education and received her Bachelor’s degree in 1963. She took a sabbatical leave in 1967, returning to Northern State Teaching College earning her Master’s degree and worked as a counselor at Olson Junior High in Bloomington until she retired in 1990. 

Since retiring to her north woods home, near Crosslake, she has been active in the League of Women Voters and several garden organizations. She loved gardening and was known for her variety of lilies. She enjoyed puzzles, especially anagrams and sudoku, and enjoyed caring for her cats. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Byron, Ellis, and Charles (Tony), and one sister, Orla. She is survived by her sister, Maye Olivia Brekke of Milbank, SD., and several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be planned later this year.

Memorials are to be donated to your local animal rescue organization.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.