Robert Burger

Burger, Robert E. 4/21/1932 - 7/2/2021 Plainwell, MI Robert Edward Burger went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 2, 2021, at the Wings Home in Allegan, after a lengthy struggle with lung disease. The youngest of nine children, Bob was born in Granite Falls, Minnesota on April 21, 1932, to Grant and Louisa (Shoemaker) Burger, and later moved to Buffalo Center, Iowa, where he graduated from Buffalo Center High School. Bob attended Estherville (Iowa) Junior College, where he was Captain of their championship football team in 1951. In 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force, spending one year in Korea. While in the service, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1956. On March 31, 1956, he married Sally Grams, who survives. Also surviving are four children: Mark (Sandra) Burger, of North Carolina; Charlotte Burger, of Otsego; Kathryn Rhodes, of Indiana; and Barbara (Scott) Smalla, of Galesburg, Michigan. Five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren also survive, as well as his brother, Richard Burger, of Kenosha Wisconsin, and many nieces and nephews. Bob was employed by the City of Kalamazoo as a Firefighter for 22 years, retiring after a heart attack in 1978. During his retirement he worked part time at Plainwell Ice Cream. Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, playing sports, helping people, and working with Handymen for Christ. Bob was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, and three sisters. His body has been donated to science, with the arrangements being made by Medcure. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Otsego. Burial of the cremains will be held at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Wings Home, Allegan, MI, or First Baptist Church of Otsego, MI.