Vi “Luetta” Burdick
August 27th, 1938 - April 7th, 2026
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Luetta's Obituary
Vi Luetta Burdick “Lue” was born in Fenton, Michigan August 27, 1938 to parents, Chester and Theola Walraven. The eldest of six children, Luetta had five siblings, Calvin “C.R.” Walraven (deceased), Ronal Walraven (deceased), Nadene Wolcott, Louis Walraven (deceased) and Louise Hoffman.
Luetta attended a one room schoolhouse as the only person in her grade through 8th grade. She graduated from Fenton High School in 1957. There she met the love of her life, Carl Burdick.
She attended Flint Junior College and University of Michigan Flint. She earned bachelor and masters degrees preparing for a career in elementary education. She taught school in Ypsilanti, Stevensville, and Benton Harbor, Michigan.
She married Carl Ray Burdick August 20, 1961. They spent nearly 65 blissful years together. If you saw them walking or sitting together, they were holding hands. Recently when Carl was asked "What's the secret to remaining married for sixty-four years?" Carl replied, "marry a woman like I did."
After beginning her career as a teacher for multiple years, Luetta pursued a career as a therapist, earning her Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University. Luetta worked as a therapist for Riverwood, the Samaritan Counseling Center and wrote the “Ask the Counselor” column for the Herald Palladium for many years.
Luetta was loved dearly by many who survive her. Her husband, Carl, daughter, Karen Burdick and son, Steven Burdick (Kathy Burdick, deceased). Grandchildren, Christopher Krall, Danielle Lardizabal (Anthony), and Nicholas Van Eck. Great grandchildren, Steven Lardizabal and Leo Lardizabal.
Luetta passed away peacefully, April 7, 2026, in St. Joseph, MI. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, 49085.
Luetta attended a one room schoolhouse as the only person in her grade through 8th grade. She graduated from Fenton High School in 1957. There she met the love of her life, Carl Burdick.
She attended Flint Junior College and University of Michigan Flint. She earned bachelor and masters degrees preparing for a career in elementary education. She taught school in Ypsilanti, Stevensville, and Benton Harbor, Michigan.
She married Carl Ray Burdick August 20, 1961. They spent nearly 65 blissful years together. If you saw them walking or sitting together, they were holding hands. Recently when Carl was asked "What's the secret to remaining married for sixty-four years?" Carl replied, "marry a woman like I did."
After beginning her career as a teacher for multiple years, Luetta pursued a career as a therapist, earning her Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University. Luetta worked as a therapist for Riverwood, the Samaritan Counseling Center and wrote the “Ask the Counselor” column for the Herald Palladium for many years.
Luetta was loved dearly by many who survive her. Her husband, Carl, daughter, Karen Burdick and son, Steven Burdick (Kathy Burdick, deceased). Grandchildren, Christopher Krall, Danielle Lardizabal (Anthony), and Nicholas Van Eck. Great grandchildren, Steven Lardizabal and Leo Lardizabal.
Luetta passed away peacefully, April 7, 2026, in St. Joseph, MI. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, 49085.
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