Theodore J. Burger

Theodore James Burger, 88, died peacefully after a short illness on Sunday, February 2, 2014 under Aspirus Hospice Care at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. Ted was born on January 29, 1926, the youngest child of Marie Chaignot Burger and Theodore James Burger from the Town of Wausau. He was married June 2, 1951 to Jean Erickson. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage this year. Ted worked for JI Case while simultaneously operating first a dairy farm, then beef and grew ginseng. He was a fixer, mechanically inclined and often times designed his own parts. He had an aptitude for history, historical facts and dates. He had his own unique vocabulary and sayings, some of which we find ourselves peppering our own speech with today. Ted was a hard worker and no one could accuse him of being "a slouch", a fact that he was proud of. He was strong and endured many health issues later in life. Ted also dutifully helped his widowed mother run the family farm, as his brothers went off to World War II. He was a good son. Ted was a man's man, enjoying deer hunting with his family hunting party (code name Cougar), being outdoors, NASCAR racing, road trips and in later years, he could often be seen mowing his lawn, having it fertilized, so he could mow it some more. He will be deeply missed by his loving and dedicated wife Jean, who assisted him and watched over him in the last years of his life. He was lucky to have her selfless support and unwavering concern. He will be forever remembered by his children, Theodore J. Burger Jr. (Sheila), Barbara (MJ Wiedeman), Patrick (Brenda), all of Wausau, John (Renee), Schofield, Sandra, Stoughton, two grandsons, Nicholas (Kim) Burger, Wausau, Zachary Burger, Schofield, three step granddaughters, Brianna (Aaron) Wright, Wyoming, Brooke (Christopher) Gutowski, Texas, Katie Shoessow, Marshfield, two great granddaughters, Graysen and Gretchen Burger, Wausau. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, sister in laws Susan Burger, Schofield and Janet Schlueter, Wausau, brother in law William (Georgia) Erickson, Florida. His church family at Resurrection Parish was very important to him. Ted was predeceased by his parents, all five of his siblings, Leon, Dennis, Franklin, Lorraine and Richard Burger, his nephews Rick and Ken Burger and Gary Erickson. Dad, it is your family's fondest wish that you have been joyfully greeted in heaven by all of your siblings, especially Richie, you missed him so much, your mother and most importantly your dear father, who you never got to meet in life. "Take 'er light but take 'er!" There are many people to thank for their care and professionalism, both Ministry and Aspirus health care systems, Suzanne Olthoff for her home care, his friends who visited him at home, especially Larry and Allegra Oliver, Bud Hafeman and Ernie Suchon, Aspirus hospice and the staff at Mount View Care Center, Northern Reflections, who provided excellent care in his last few days. A special thank you to Christy Hinkins SW and June Princl RN, CCCW, for their valuable help, support and concern during these last years. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2014 at The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. The Rev. James Schaefer will preside. Entombment will be in the Christis Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Thursday 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. Wednesday evening at the Sixth Street funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Marathon County Humane Society or the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com