Jesse L Burger

Jesse L Burger (94), of Beavercreek, was born in Greene County on March 26, 1927 to Raymond Burger and Nora Swigart. He died peacefully with his family surrounding him on August 16. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Catherine, brothers Robert, Earl, and Allen, and his great granddaughter Elizabeth Manning. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Helen Louise, sons Stephen (Connie), Ken (Richard Vandergriff), daughters Debbie (Steve Connett), and Cheryl Burger Shenk. He is survived by grandchildren Nicole (Burger) and Aaron Manning, Brandon Burger, Lindsey (Connett) and Paul Weisbecker, Lauren (Connett) and Ryan Watson, Hilary (Connett) and David Fortkamp, Savannah Shenk, Jessica Shenk, and Casey Shenk. He is survived by great grandchildren Autumn and Jenna Manning, Will, Sam, Matt, and Lauren Weisbecker, Jack and Joe Watson, Caroline and Ben Fortkamp.

Jess lived a long and wonderful life. He grew up in Dayton and Beavercreek. He remained in Beavercreek during the last 50 yrs. He graduated from Beavercreek High School. He was in the Navy on the SS Boxer in the South Pacific from 1944-46 during and after WW2. He returned home and met the love of his life, Helen Louise Cowman. His brother, Allen, married Louise’s sister Janet. He embraced and loved the Cowman family as much as he loved his Burger family. They married and raised 4 children and numerous pets. It was the idyllic life of the 50s and 60s. The parents gave all of themselves while expecting little for themselves. He worked at Midwest and then Viking Tool and Die. He often worked two jobs without complaint. He later worked at Delco and worked his way to Supervisor while taking classes at Sinclair. He retired in 1989. He was the consummate family man. He saw all his children married and loved his sons and daughter- in-laws. He attended every event for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved camping and traveling with his family. He loved building projects, including a camper and a house addition. He was an avid gardener and shared his green thumb successes with anyone who wanted a new start of plant life. He was a community volunteer all his life. He was a scout leader, a packmaster for Pack 256 (where he organized the Soap Box Derby), a little league coach, a band parent, a softball coach, the athletic booster president, and a 20 yr. Beavercreek school board member (several terms as president). He was inducted into the Beavercreek Hall of Fame in 2004. He was a Miami Valley Hospital volunteer. He was spiritual and active at church. Through the years he was a Sunday school teacher, a youth group leader, and a consistory member. He has been an active member at Hawker UCC for the past 40 yrs. He was always ready for a new adventure. He and his wife traveled to many states and internationally. He and his wife were ballroom dancers and an elegant couple to watch on the dance floor. They were also avid square dancers that traveled and danced for a decade. He viewed the world with awe and curiosity. Jess had a thirst for learning about math, science, history, and “how do things work”. He was always empathetic and interested in others. He believed we should always give of ourselves and our material goods to others. He treasured each new day and the world around him despite enduring numerous health issues for many years. He would always say, “Did you see that sunrise today? It was really something!”. He will be loved and remembered always for his love of his wife, family, community, and his caring and compassion for all people.

Contributions in Jesse's memory maybe made to Hawker UCC Church, 1617 N Longview St, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432.