Dr. L. Dan Burtner

Doctor Dan Burtner passed away on September 9, 2013 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. He was born June 10, 1927 in Harrisonburg and was the son of the late Charles Albert and Pauline (Harshbarger) Burtner. He was preceded in death by his brothers Lester, Lowell and Charles A., Jr. After graduation from Keezletown High School Dr. Burtner enlisted in the Army Specialized Training Program and studied pre-engineering at University of Pennsylvania, Virginia Military Institute, and N. C. State. His basic training was at Fort Knox, Kentucky after which he was assigned as an armored forces cadre to instruct cadets in gunnery, maintenance and driving of tanks at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Following his discharge from the Army he attended and graduated from Bridgewater College and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He served a general internship at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and returned to the Medical College of Virginia for his residency in Pediatrics. In 1957, Dr. Burtner began his pediatric practice in Harrisonburg. He practiced solo for thirty-two years and with other pediatricians for four more years, establishing the group Pediatric Associates (now Harrisonburg Pediatrics), where he was senior partner until his retirement. Dr. Burtner was a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics, a member of the Virginia Pediatric Society, Rockingham County Medical Society, Medical Society of Virginia, and the American Medical Association. As a member of the medical staff of Rockingham Memorial Hospital, he held at one time or another, every elected position on the staff. He served two years as chairman of R. M. H. infection committee; two years as chairman of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society; was a team physician for a local high school football team, and presented specific and unusual cases to colleagues and nurses’ classes. Family vacations were always planned when Dr. Burtner could couple it with a continuing education opportunity. He was secretary of the Harrisonburg Exchange Club and received the club’s Book of Golden Deeds Award. In 2009 Bridgewater College awarded him the Ripples Society Medal. Dr. Burtner enjoyed gardening and working on his farm. He planted over four thousand trees—an accomplishment that resulted in a trip to Nebraska to receive the 2005 National Arbor Day Foundation’s Good Steward Award. He also received the Forestry Best Management Practices award from the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. He created a 5K, 6K, and 8K Cross-country course on the farm for middle-schools, high-schools and colleges that hosts hundreds of runners each year. Other interests included reading, history, watching sports and wood carving. Dr. Burtner was a lifelong member of the Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren and served in various capacities. Dr. Burtner is survived by his wife, Louise , whom he married on June 5, 1954; and their four children; Dan, Jr., Barbara and life partner, Betsy, David and wife, Lisa, Brenda Hoops and husband, Terry, and daughter-in-law, Beth Burtner. He is also survived by eight granddaughters, Megan, Erin Ushry (Stan), Dawn, Jana, Jessica, Stephanie, Sabrina, Sophia; three great-grandchildren, Jasmyne, Raven, and Shailynn; two step-grandchildren, Misty and Jeff; four step-great-grandchildren, Justin, Jessica, Madison and Grace; a sister-in-law, Juanita Burtner; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family will receive friends 6-8:00 P. M., Friday, September 13, 2013 at Lindsey Funeral Home A Celebration of Life service will be held 1:00 P. M., Saturday, September 14, 2013 at the Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren with the Rev. Beth Jarrett. According to Dr. Burtner’s wishes he will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, it was Dr. Burtner’s wishes that everyone plant a tree, or make a memorial donation to the Dan and Louise Burtner Endowed Scholarship Fund at Bridgewater College, 402 East College St., Bridgewater, VA 22812. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.