Paul Burgener

Paul H. Burgener, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2001 at the age of 88 after a brief illness. He was born February 5, 1912 in Mansfield to Fred and Alma Burgener. After graduation from Mansfield Senior High School, Mr. Burgener pursued a career as a professional musician, playing with a number of different local bands, before joining Harl Smith's Sun Valley Orchestra, in Sun Valley, Idaho. While with this orchestra, Mr. Burgener toured the United States, playing in most major cities. In 1940, Mr. Burgener returned to Mansfield, and went to work at Westinghouse Electric, retiring after 37 years of service. During this time, Mr. Burgener continued his career as a musician, with his own band, The Paul Burgener Orchestra playing many of the local hotels and clubs in the area. He was a life member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 159, a former member of the Elks and Moose Lodge #341. Mr. Burgener was a member of the Main Street United Methodist Church.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Daniel & Carol Burgener of Mansfield, Ohio; four grandchildren and one grandson-in-law, Amy, Lori, and Sarah Burgener of Mansfield, Ohio and Cheryl & Steve Icenhour of Mountain City, TN; a great-granddaughter, Morgan Lucille Burgener/Shears; one great-grandson, Joseph Daniel Icenhour; one sister, Florence ''Dolly'' Hedeen of Venice, FL; two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Ted & Francis Brindle of Lake San Marcos, CA and Phyllis Vogt of Medina, OH. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. Mr. Burgener was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Hilda Lucille Burgener on November 18, 1997; and a sister Laurine Cairns of Mansfield, OH.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors on Friday, January 12, 2001 from 6-9 p.m. Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 13, 2001 at 10:30 a.m., conducted by Rev. David Gilbert of Main Street United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland Academy of the Arts, and/or Main Street United Methodist Church in memory of Paul H. Burgener.