Robert Lee Burger Sr.

There will be a time to visit with the family at 10:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of his life at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday May 21, 2013 at Morningstar United Methodist Church, Normal, Illinois. Pastor Jay Regennitter will officiate. Immediately following the Celebration of Life Service lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Morningstar United Methodist Church or Central Illinois Small Animal Rescue (CISAR). Robert was born on November 26, 1934 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, son of Levi and Eva Burger. He married Joan Lugtigheid in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 23, 1957. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Robert Jr. (Carol) of Normal, IL and Michael (Jan) of Glen Allen, Virginia; daughter, Eva Price of St. Petersburg, FL.; five grandchildren, Michael (Marisa) Burger, Ross (Maggie - fiance') Burger, Melissa Burger, Colleen Burger, Michaela Price; great-granddaughter, Avery Burger; five sisters, Lorraine Rayner, Ruth Roggow, Patricia Beadle of Grand Rapids, Barbara (Robert) Peters of Lake Forrest, IL and Carol (Thomas) Neuhaus of East Grand Rapids, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Betty Korenkiewicz. Robert was employed as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. He began his medical career as a Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Third Class in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After continuing his education, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force for 12 years. He administered anesthesia for 34 years. After retirement he worked as a court clerk for Judge James Souk. Robert was Chaplain for the DAV Chapter 60, and was a Life Member of American Legion Carl S. Martin Post 635 and a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 454. A member of Morningstar United Methodist Church, Rob enjoyed singing in the choir and served in other capacities. He became a Methodist Lay Pastor and Stephen Minister. He belonged to the Emmaus Community and served in Prison Ministry. He liked watching his grandsons play sports and his granddaughterw performing in musical programs, marching band competitions and dance performances. He loved going to garage sales, always looking for the unusual and the great bargain. He loved people of all ages and his two dogs, Maggie and Emmy Lou. He enjoyed books, flowers, and gardening. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.