Lorna Gay Burgeson

     Lorna Gay Endersby Burgeson, 84, of West Des Moines, IA (formerly of Peterson, Spirit Lake, and Spencer, IA) passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024. She was born on November 6, 1939, in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of Dr. David and Lois Endersby. She was raised with her younger brother and sister in Sioux Rapids, IA, where she graduated high school in 1957. She attended the University of South Dakota and later received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA.

      On October 11, 1960, she married the love of her life, Rodney Burgeson, and they farmed outside of Peterson for 40 years. Lorna taught English and Literature at Sioux Valley High School for several years.

      Together, Rod and Lorna loved to entertain, fish, camp, golf, dance, travel, and generally make people feel welcome and loved. One of Lorna’s favorite activities was to peruse antique stores with her Siouan Questors Club to find a perfect addition for a collection.

      Included in the fun were their two children, Dan and Robyn, and later her five grandkids, whom she showered with love and affection. Whether on their farm or at their home in Spirit Lake, their door was always open and many enjoyed their love of life.

      A voracious reader, a quick-witted conversationalist, and accomplished cook and host, Lorna did it all with grace and style. Her elegantly laid tables were the centerpiece of her refined and welcoming home.

      Left to cherish her memory is her son, Dan Burgeson (Jill) and her daughter, Robyn Mills (Bret); grandchildren, Myles Burgeson (Sinsiea); Brooklyn Burgeson (Lucus Koenig); Elizabeth Mills (Dr. Colton Jensen); Andrew Mills (Taylor Vos); great-grandchildren, Evan and Callen Burgeson; brother Dick Endersby (Linda); sister, Elizabeth Urbanos (Dennis), a host of nieces, nephews, and so many friends. 

      She is proceeded in death by her husband, Rodney; her parents, Dr. Dave and Lois Endersby; and her granddaughter, Kathryn Mae Mills.  

      In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sioux Rapids Theatre Museum or to the family to be used to honor her at a later time.