Jerome "Jerry" Edward Burger

Over a long life marked by steady purpose and diligent service, Jerome devoted himself to faith, community, and the responsibilities of citizenship. After retiring from Honda of America on April 28, 2001, he entered a new season of active involvement—one defined by thoughtful leadership, careful stewardship, and a consistent willingness to step forward wherever he was needed.

Jerome’s commitment to public life was substantial and sustained. He was selected to St. Gerard’s Parish Council’s “Spiritual Development Committee,” and he served in numerous roles within the Republican Party, including membership on the Eaton County GOP Executive Committee and as chair of the party finance committee. He was elected as a Republican Alternate to the 2020 National Republican Convention and served as an Alternate Delegate to the Michigan GOP State Party Convention in 2022. He was also appointed as a Republican to the Clare County Board of Canvassers on July 26, 2018, after years of election work, serving as an Election Inspector for Clair County from January 5, 2005, to July 26, 2018, and later as a Certified Election Inspector for Eaton County from 2022 to the present.

Beginning in 2008, Jerome served as a Republican Precinct Delegate for Freeman Township, Clare County, Michigan, and he became a longstanding leader within the Clare County Republican Party—serving as Chairman from May 2017 to the present, and also as Chairman of the Clare County Republicans from September 16, 2017, to May 2, 2021. He was elected Vice Chairman on November 6, 2008, and served as an Executive Committee member of the 4th Republican Congressional District in Midland, Michigan, from 2016 to 2022, and again from 2017 to May 2, 2021. In recognition of his dedication, he received “Republican of the Year” honors from the Clare County Republicans in 2010. He also successfully supported and coordinated the Clare County MSUE/4H seven-year millage in 2020.

Jerome’s civic leadership extended into county and township service. He served as County Commissioner for Clare County, Michigan, District One, from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012, and served on eleven County Commission Review Boards. He was appointed Chairman of the Clare County Planning Commission from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012, and served as a member of the Clare County Agricultural Board from its inception (November 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012). He also served as Clare Community Executive Director from January 3, 2009, to April 1, 2010, and was a County Enterprise Volunteer member from 2005 to 2009. In Freeman Township, he was appointed Chairman of the Planning Commission in 2003, served on the Freeman Township Planning Commission from 2003 to 2008 (Chairman from 2004 to 2008), and served as Secretary of the Freeman Township Board of Appeals from April 2004 to April 2008. He also served as Secretary of the Big Norway Lake Association from May 28, 2005, to September 2010, and remained a member of the association from 2002 to 2021. He was a member of the Lake George Boosters Club from 2007 to 2021.

A lifelong learner with a disciplined mind, Jerome pursued engineering with distinction. He earned a technical degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska. He also attended many additional seminars and educational conferences since graduating in 1963, including studies in economics, financial planning, plant management, personal improvement, and technical subjects. He received Master Citizen Planner Certification on July 1, 2001, and earned Michigan Township Governance Academy (TGA) Certification on January 9, 2008, at the MTA Educational Conference. He was a graduate of the Clare County Leadership Institute in May 2008 and served actively as a Leadership Institute Board of Director and Meeting Facilitator from 2006 to 2021.

Professionally, Jerome built a career grounded in responsibility, technical excellence, and management leadership. His work included plant management, program management, project engineering, and research engineering for several companies, notably GM Quad Four Engine Plant in Lansing, Michigan; Hoover Universal in Charlotte, Michigan; Cummins Engine Co. in Columbus, Indiana; the University of Dayton Research Institute; GE Jet Engine Plan in Cincinnati, Ohio; and the Honda Engine Plant in Anna, Ohio. His most recent job activity was from 1988 to 2001 at Honda of America Engine Plant in Anna, Ohio, where he served as Staff Engineering—Engineering Manager in machining of cast iron products, and where he also carried corporate and plant-level safety coordination responsibilities.

Jerome’s professional service also included leadership in engineering organizations. He served as Chairman of the ASME Cincinnati section from 1968 to 1972 and was Chairman of the ASME Student Section at the University of Dayton in 1962. He was a past member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Management Association, and he was a Licensed Professional Engineer in the states of Ohio, Nebraska, and Michigan.

His sense of service reached beyond formal roles and titles. Jerome served as an advisor with Junior Achievement in Cincinnati and participated in other high school student programs. He was connected with parish life through St. Matthias Parish Council in Forest Park, and he contributed to emergency communications as a member of the Shelby County Amateur Radio Emergency Service in Sidney, Ohio (1992 to 2001) and the Clare County Radio Armature Emergency Service (to 2021).

Jerome’s interests reflected both curiosity and quiet mastery. He was an active radio amateur since 1957, achieved Amateur Extra Class Proficiency, and held the call sign AB8AU. He served as Assistant Amateur Emergency Coordinator for Shelby County Amateur Radio Emergency Service in Ohio. He was also an accomplished astronomer with proficiency using a 10-inch Mead computer-operated telescope. A choir member for more than 30 years, he gave his voice faithfully in church life. From 1990 to 2001 he was a private pilot, and he was self-taught in sailing, navigation, and weather sciences—pursuits that suited his careful, methodical approach and his appreciation for both precision and wonder.

At home, Jerome took pride in building a life with his own hands as well as his mind. In 2002, he designed and built his home on Big Norway Lake in Clare County, Michigan. He was married for 29+ years and widowed for 38 years. His family members are: 8 children, 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and counting!

Jerome also contributed as a guest writer for the Clare County Sentinel and The Clare County Review newspapers. Over the years, his volunteerism included organizing church choirs at St Matthias Parish Greenlawn, Ohio, and St Thomas Numan Parish Canton Center, Michigan, and teaching Confraternity of Christian Doctrine to high school Catholic students. He also appeared as an actor with the Sidney Bellet Company in three prominent plays—Coppelia (Burgermeister), The Girl in the Garden (Rich Landowner), and Narnia (Country Uncle—owner of the country estate). In lighter moments, he earned recognition as a Red Ribbon winner of the Neighborhood Chili Cook-off Festiva twice, in Sidney, Ohio, in 1998 and 1999. Earlier, he served as Chairman of the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Marion, Ohio, Annual Fund Raiser and successfully raised $68,000 in 1975.

Jerome Edward Burger will be remembered with respect for a life shaped by devotion to community, disciplined work, and enduring service—offered steadily, thoughtfully, and with a sense of responsibility that never sought attention yet left a lasting mark.

Visitation and funeral service information will be announced on Monday.