Burt Zoetmulder
November 6, 1928 - April 26, 2011
Burt Zoetmulder
Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and best friend has been received this day, April 26th, 2011, into the hands of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Burt was born in Utrecht, Holland on November 6th, 1928 and immigrated with his young family to Utah in 1954. Burt was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church where he directed the choir in any parish that he lived in with his wife and family. His devotion to his faith was all encompassing and gave him strength, comfort and guidance in his everyday life and in times of need. He and his partner in life, Betty, actively participated in the Marriage Encounter Movement for married couples seeking a better communication with each other and their faith. Burt, in his life, never saw any problem or roadblock in his way, he thought of them as a challenge and went about getting busy conquering any obstacle. He was a painter, a singer, a choir director and the best craftsman that we have ever known.
Burt is survived by his sweetheart of 61 years, Betty; children Henry (Jan), Elske (Tom), Susie, Catherine (Craig), Mary-Anne and Michael. Burt and Betty have 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
We wish to express our supreme gratitude to the staff at Alta Ridge Alzheimer Community in Sandy. Without them, the care of our father in his final stage of life would have been that much more difficult than it already was. We thank them deeply for their support, compassion, keen attention to his needs and humanity.
In celebration of Burt’s life, a mass will be said on April 30th, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 East 11800 South, Sandy.
In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to the “Give A Life” Alzheimer Research Group at the University of Utah.
In Loving Memory
Betty - thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May you hold all your wonderful memories close to your heart. I am honored to have known Burt; I will miss seeing his smile. May you find comfort knowing he is in true peace. Love, Sharon Hartline
Sharon Hartline
Sandy, Ut
Dear Betty and Family, The Lord is a Gentleman who keeps his WORD: "I am the Resurrection and the Life." I have so many fond memories of you and Burt -- those early years at the Cathedral, especially. Be assured of my remembrance of you in the Holy Eucharist this beautiful Easter Season. Msgr. Colin
Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Zoetmulder Family, We want to share a fond memory of Burt from the time when you lived on 9th Avenue, and we shared the adjoining parking area. One morning Burt and Ramona were out back discussing, for some reason, breakfast foods. Ramona told Burt that Mike ate bread with peanut butter every single morning. Burt joked, "Peanut butter for breakfast! That must be what makes Mike so mean." Our whole family laughed about the story, and Mike's favorite breakfast became forevermore known as "Mean Sandwiches." So, you see, Burt has been fixed in our memories all these years. And, of course, Mike and his family have many memories of your family from his youth. We send our love and condolences, wishing you peace at this difficult time.
Mike and Ramona Rudert
Salt Lake City, UT
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Enjoyed the time getting to know Burt at Burts Furniture and family dinners. He always was smiling and friendly. And wondeful with kids. He will be missed!
Jill Panoke
Holladay, Ut
Dear Betty and Family, We want you to know how deeply sorry we are to hear of Burt's passing. We have fond memories of our children growing up together, our days of CFM, and the wonderful times we had at your home. Every member of our family will keep you in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Finally Burt's soul can rest in peace. God Bless You, Anna Marie Smith and Family
Anna Marie Smith
SLC, UT
Dear Betty & Family, I know it has been awhile since we have communicated, but I do think of you often. As a matter of fact, I was passing by Burt's paintings in our hall and thought of him this past week. I was being sent a message, no doubt! I love you all and send Clete's and my sympathies. Love,
Pat & Clete Walz
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Betty and family - I wanted to tell you how much my Mom (Arla Olsen) and I enjoyed singing together in the St Vincent choir when Burt was directing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Olsen
Salt Lake City, UT