Patricia L. Burgstahler

A Memorial Mass will be recited at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2010 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Topeka, KS  for Patricia L. “Pat” Burgstahler, 75, Lawrence, KS.  Private inurnment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lawrence, KS.  She died on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on March 27, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Louis J. & Stella Glowacki Bokor.

She received her Bachelor of Arts from Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, MI in 1956.  She later received her Master of Arts in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas in 1958.

Mrs. Burgstahler taught private piano lessons for fifty years.  She had taught many young people in Lawrence and the surrounding area, from her home.

She was a member of the Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Topeka, KS (associated with Society of St. Peter, Maple Hill, KS). Most recently, she had been attending Saint Lawrence Catholic Center in Lawrence. She was an active member of the Lawrence Accredited Music Teachers’ Association, an active bridge player with many master points and she received the Distinguished Teacher Award, given by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars under President George H.W. Bush in 1992.

She was married to Albert W. Burgstahler in August 1957 in Detroit, MI.  He survives of the home.

Other survivors include  three daughters; Maria Bokor, of Tacoma, WA, Janet Anderson and Jennifer Burgstahler, both of Durango, CO, two sons; Albert Paul Burgstahler, of Annandale Church, VA, David Frederick Burgstahler, of New York City, NY, two sisters; Theresa Olshesky, of Taylor, Mi, Lorraine Reich, of Atlanta, GA, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A Wake Service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, June 18, 2010 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS.  The family will greet friends in the church basement following the wake service.

The family suggests memorials in her name to the Sigma Alpha Iota (Beta Beta KU Chapter) Music Scholarship Fund and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
 

18 Condolences

  1. Dolores Palmer on April 19, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Sincere condolences to all the Burgstahler family. Pat was one of the most dedicated piano teachers I have ever known, and I have know quite a few. The music community of Lawrence will miss her greatly.



  2. Jean (Palmer) Sauer on April 19, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Jenny, Albert and family
    I am surprised and sorry to hear about your mother’s passing, not knowing if it was expected or sudden. I hope you all find comfort in family and faith during this time. Jenny, if you have time, feel free to contact me when you are in town. Sincerely, Jean



  3. Dr. Russell Blaylock on April 19, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Albert,

    It is with great sadness that Diane and I send our condolence. May the Lord bless you in this time of grief and pain. WE shall pray for you and your family.

    Your friends forever,

    Russell & Diane



  4. Shana Vanderslice on April 19, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Family as a caregiver of pat I wish to say I send my condolence. Pat was my best friend and taught me many things about life. It hurts me deep inside to know she went home but I know she is with our father now and no longer in pain.And thants what she wanted. Thank you for givng me the chance to know your mother, wife and grandmother i will never forget the women that put a smile on my face everyday. And taught me to not hold hate in my hreat and love our father. Your mother wife and grandmaother is a amazing women. And you all are in my prays.



  5. Don & David Nieto on April 19, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Albert & Family: David sends his condolences. Sorry to hear of the passing of Patricia.



  6. Ray Wilson on April 20, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Al & Family,
    Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear Mom. We will keep all of you in our prayers during your time of loss.

    Sincerely,
    Ray & Jennifer



  7. Greg & Joy McCutcheon on April 20, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Although I didn’t know Mrs. Patricia Burgstalher personally I often heard her son Al speak fondly of his Mother. My wife and I mourn the family’s loss but rejoice in heavens gain.



  8. Carole Clinch on April 20, 2010 at 12:00 am

    My heartfelt condolences to the Burgstahler family. You are in my prayers and in my thoughts.



  9. bill harwood on April 20, 2010 at 12:00 am

    My condolences. I am truly thankful for Pat providing me with my dear friend, fellow musician, and engineer Al.



  10. Jason Krueger on April 20, 2010 at 12:00 am

    My sincere thoughts go out to Albert and the Burgstahler family.

    Please know that I am here to talk if you need someone.
    Sincerely, Jason



  11. Paul & Gwyn Kitos on April 20, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Albert and family, We were saddened to hear of Pat’s death. It is many years since we last saw her but remember her as a dear friend and as our daughter Theresa’s piano teacher. We send our condolences to you at this sad time. Paul and Gwyn



  12. Nuria (Wells) Lucas on April 20, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Jenny and Burgstahler Family, I am saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. I remember playing at your house in grade school. Your mother was such a sweet and lovely woman! My condolences.



  13. Melody Scheel on April 21, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Albert, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time of grief.



  14. Carol Kopf on April 21, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Albert and family

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You’re in my prayers.



  15. Ailsa Boyden on April 30, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Albert and family, Condolences from Australia. May many happy memories be yours to comfort you through the coming years.



  16. Ailsa Boyden on April 30, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Albert and family, Condolences from Australia. May many happy memories be yours to comfort you through the coming years.



  17. Sarah Higgins on June 4, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear Albert, Jennifer and Family,

    I was saddened to read of Pat’s death.

    She was a most excellent teacher. Observing her as she taught our son for six years taught me many ideas which I have integrated into my own teaching approach, and for which I am most grateful. She was an excellent example.

    Sincerely,
    Sarah Higgins



  18. Steve K. Kim on September 22, 2016 at 12:09 pm

    I didn’t realize it at the time, but during the 8 years that Mrs. B taught me piano, she was actually teaching me (through her own example) the importance of encouragement and patience in dealing with people, especially young people. I also found out later in life that she gave my parents a significant discount because she knew my parents were very poor – a real lesson in compassion and generosity. I also learned to love animals by getting to know Cliff, Macy, and the many other dogs and cats she raised in her pet-loving home. Thank you Mrs. B for everything you’ve done for me and my family. I am so very grateful.
    Peace,
    Steve



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