Joseph Burger Obituary

Joseph, retired USN, passed away on November 16, 2009, at Rose Medical Center, Denver, after a courageous battle against cancer. He was born to the late Dr Francis Burger and Mae (Pheifer) on March 19, 1939 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Joe attended Boston University, receiving his History degree in 1960. He was accepted into the Officer Candidate School, Pre-flight program in Pensacola, Florida; upon completion, he was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy . His 22 years in the Navy included tours aboard the carriers USS Intrepid and USS Enterprise; 14 months in Vietnam and Joint Service command assignments at the Alaskan Command in Anchorage and NORAD in Colorado Springs, to mention a few. Before Joe began his first tour in the Navy, he married Ann Louise (La Pierre) in 1961, and helped raise three children. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years; a daughter, Christina Louise Cramer (husband, Michael) of Colorado Springs and son; Lcdr Mark Burger, USN of Camp Lejeune, NC. His Son, Joseph John II, precedes him in death. He is also survived by eight delightful grandchildren: Alex 19, Johnathon 16, Theresa Ann 13, Zachary 11, Mary 8, Henry, 5, Joshua 14 and Cassie 12.; a brother, Frank, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and a sister, Anita Ekbladh, of Wilmington Delaware. Joe had a wonderful quick, sense of humor. He enjoyed immensely his family and friends and the simple things of life…especially during his retirement years. He truly was one of a kind, to all who knew him. Visitation is 5:30 - 7:00 pm, Thursday, November 19th at Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs; followed by recitation of the rosary at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N Cascade, Colorado Springs, on November 20th at 10:00 am, with interment immediately after at Crystal Valley Cemetery, Manitou Springs. In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to: Boystown, PO Box 145 - Memorial, Boystown, NE 68010. St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57326. or Thomas More Law Center, PO Box 393, Ann Arbor, MI 48106