Dr. Burdette Carl Wheaton

Dr. Burdette Carl Wheaton was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, May 31, 2020. He was 81 years old.

Visitation will be held from 4-8pm, Thursday, June 4, 2020 at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary. Funeral service will be held at 10am, Friday, June 5, 2020 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery. Those unable to attend the service will be able to stream it live at www.immanuelmankato.org. Online condolences can be shared with Burdette’s family at www.mankatomortuary.com.

 

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, social distancing will be observed, masks are encouraged at Northview, and the number of visitation guests allowed will be monitored. Masks will be required at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

The family prefers memorials be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran School Endowment Fund (421 N. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001) or to the American Heart Association (3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674 or online at www.heart.org).

Burdette was born to Burdette and Elsa (Gramentz) Wheaton on Sunday, July 3, 1938 in Mankato. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato and confirmed on May 18, 1952. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1956 and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mankato State College in 1959. Burdette earned a Master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, graduating in 1965. He was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Ehlbeck on June 16, 1968 in Spirit Lake, IA.

Burdette began teaching at Mankato State University in 1965 and was a Professor of Mathematics and Statistics within the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. He retired on June 13, 1997. He enjoyed spending time traveling with his family. After retirement, he traveled with his wife regularly and always looked forward to taking his and Margaret’s annual month-long vacation to Mexico. He also enjoyed volunteering at Immanuel Lutheran Church, gardening, and playing bridge.  He loved his family dearly and would do anything for his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He spent his summers at the family cabin on Duck Lake, near the city of Madison Lake. He was the treasurer of the DLPA (Duck Lake Preservation Association) for over 20 years and also treasurer of the Rolling Acres Townhome Association. Burdette was also a member of the American Mathematical Society, the Mathematical Association of America, and Sigma Xi. Faith and Christian education were very important to Burdette. He was an active lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato. He was on the Board of Regents of Immanuel Lutheran College, served on the church council, was the school administrator, helped with the school lunch program, and sang in the church choir.

Burdette is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Margaret Ann Wheaton of Mankato; son, Reverend Timothy (Trudy) Wheaton of Loveland, CO and their sons, Ian and Paul Wheaton; son, Michael (Ann) Wheaton of Mankato and their daughters, Andrea, Mara, and Michaela Wheaton; daughter, Julie Ann (Matthew) Busch of Mankato and their daughters, Kayla Ann (Logan) Wendt, Emma Lea, Grace Ann, and Rebekah Lea Busch.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Burnadette; grandparents; and grandchildren, Jo and Hope Busch.