Jean M. Burger

Jean Mildred Burger, 84, passed unexpectedly on November 20, 2015 doing what she loved, going to church. Jean was born on January 18, 1931, the oldest daughter of Mildred and Raymond Erickson, Wausau. She was married June 2, 1951 to Theodore J. Burger Sr, who died February 2, 2014 after 62 years of marriage. There was not a single day that passed, that Jean did not miss Ted. He had her devotion, love and respect. He was fortunate and she assisted and watched over him in the last several years of his life. Her family is grateful for this selflessness. She was fiercely determined to continue to live independently in her own home and continue driving up until the last day of her life. Jean started out her work career working at her Dad's hamburger stand and as a secretary for D.M. Kischel at Kischel Wholesale Grocery. Upon her marriage to Ted, she became a farm wife in all it's meaning, a mother and partner. Jean never shied away from hard work. She was tireless, sacrificing and giving. After her last child entered school, Jean worked at Riverview Elementary School for many years , a job she thoroughly enjoyed. She was both in the office and classroom. She had many students who remembered her years later and her many kindnesses to children, whether it was wiping tears, putting on bandaids, pep talks or helping kids read. Jean could tell a good joke and often told stories of the funny things kids would say. She was an avid hugger. Jean had a great smile that could light up the room, she was outgoing and friendly, making countless friends over the years. Many of those dear friends have passed but is survived by her special friend Bernice Kozlowski , Sylva Wedepohl, the Hafemans, Ruthann and Bud and her special neighbors, Cindy and Lance. She was a prolific baker and made many memorable meals. It was her pastime and her passion. She baked her own bread for 60 years and left us a loaf on the counter, as one last reminder. She would surprise anyone and everyone with her baked goods, coming out once behind the dumpster at the end of the her driveway with a bag of freshly baked Valentine cookies for the startled garbage man. She would leave them for the mailman in the mailbox, he would give her a thumbs up of approval as he passed by the house. She visited many elderly people at home over the years from her church and in nursing homes bringing them treats, communion and a bit of conversation. Jean was a people person. She is survived by her five children, Theodore J. Burger Jr. (Sheila), Barbara (Marshall J. Wiedeman), Patrick (Brenda), all of Wausau, John (Renee), Weston, and Sandra, Stoughton. two grandsons, Nicholas (Kim) Burger, Wausau, Zachary Burger , Weston, two great granddaughters, Graysen and Gretchen Burger, Wausau, 3 step granddaughters, Brianna (Aaron) Wright, Wyoming, Brooke Gutowski, Texas and Katie Schoessow, Wausau, her brother William (Georgia) Erickson, Florida and her beloved baby sister, Janet Marie Schlueter, Wausau, they shared many laughs. She loved her church family . She is further survived by many nieces, nephews and one sister in law, Susan Burger. Jean was also predeceased by her parents, her in laws, and nephews Rick and Ken Burger and Gary Erickson. Mother, may you have been welcomed to heaven by Dad with open arms and maybe a " what took you so long?", together again in eternity! Shine bright, free at last of all your earthly pain, of which you had much. You did your best. We love you. Love, Teddy, Barbara, Patrick, John and Sandra. Thank you to Aspirus Hospital for your compassionate and excellent care given to Jean in her final hours and the many years of care from Marshfield Clilnic. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent Raptor Education, Inc. Antigo, WI or the Marathon County Childrens's library, Wausau. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday November 25, 2015 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. James Schaefer and Rev. Robert Schaller will preside. Entombment will be in the Christus Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish vigil service at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Sixth Street funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com