Millie Burkman age 99 of Russell passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Avera Marshall Medical Center.  Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 9 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Arco.  Visitation if 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the Tyler Area Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.  Interment is in the Arco Cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Tyler Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Millie Burkman was born January 12, 1914 in Iowa to Erick and Helena Pedersen.  She was baptized at a Lutheran Church in Iowa and confirmed at Arco Lutheran Church.  Millie graduated from Arco Public School.  Millie and her husband, Wally, owned and operated the Green Lantern Café in Russell.  She worked from sun up to midnight.  Millie also worked at the Rainbow Café, where she was known for her homemade doughnuts and pies, especially lemon pie.  After leaving the café business she started to clean various homes and the First Independent Bank.  At age 90 Millie retired, not willingly, from cleaning the bank.  She was a kind, caring person who always put others before herself.  Millie was a member of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, Mary Circle, and was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Russell.  Millie enjoyed cooking, fishing, rummage sales, Fun Time Polka, and dancing in her younger years.  She spent time watching the birds in her back yard and feeding the stray cats in the neighborhood.  Millie loved visiting with family and friends, especially being out to Rock Lake with her family, and enjoyed her great grandchildren.

Millie is survived by her daughter Judy (Axel) Hansen of Ruthton; grandson Jeff (Kari) Hansen of Tyler; great grandchildren Carter, Cooper, and Camden Hansen; special niece Jeanyne (Bob) Bagley of Arco; and other nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents Erick and Helena Pedersen, husbands Walter Rasmussen and Arnie Burkman, brothers Carl, Erling, Harold, and Arden Pedersen, and sisters Elna Blegen and Marie Fifield.