Obituary of Donald Eugene Buerger

Donald Eugene Buerger, age 78, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at the Sylvan Crossings in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Don was born in the Town of Oakland, Wisconsin on July 8, 1935, the son of Harry and Louise (Radloff) Buerger Sr. His mother died in October of 1936 and Don and his older brother, Harry Jr. were raised by Grandma Buerger while his father worked as a hired man on Grandpa's farm. Don attended East Elementary School in Jefferson until the 5th grade, then Woodside Country School near Johnson Creek, WI and then Johnson Creek High School where he enjoyed success as a pretty good athlete in both football and baseball. Don had the honor of playing in the State Baseball Tournament in 1953. He graduated in 1953,and he loved his teammates and classmates. After graduation, he continued to play baseball for several years for Sullivan and later Rome in the "Land of Lakes League." In January of 1954, Don started working for Schweiger Industries in Jefferson as an upholsterer and continued to work there for 41 years, retiring in 1995 because of his health. Don was a member of the UIU Local #301 for 41 years and served as a trustee on the union board for 11 years. He also had a part-time furniture upholstery and repair business at home and often said he did work for some of the "finest people in the Fort Atkinson area, you know who you are." He met this "little girl" Avis, daughter of John and Alice Kramer of Helenville at a dance in Ixonia and married her on October 5, 1957. They had three children whom he loved very much. Don served as an assistant Scoutmaster for Troup #137 for several years. He loved to play sheepshead with some wonderful friends and to fish. He went on vacation, fishing up north at Rice Lake for many years with his older brother Harry who he "idolized." He loved big band music and polka music and had a large collection. He fed the birds and loved to watch them in his backyard. He loved to bake cookies and cake and enjoyed sharing them with his friends, "Friends are precious." He especially loved to watch his grandchildren in their sporting events. Surviving are: Wife: Avis Buerger, Children: Douglas "Doug" (Robin) Buerger, Robert "Bubba" (Sherri) Buerger, all of Fort Atkinson, WI, and Nancy (Alan) Renz, Jefferson, WI, Six Grandchildren: Amber (Michael) Chula, Michael Buerger, Alice Buerger, Heath Renz, Sydney Renz, and Samantha Buerger, and Three Great-grandchildren: Kayla, William, and Chrystabel and one on the way. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Harry. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 314 Barrie Street, Fort Atkinson, WI with Rev. Bryan Engfer and Rev. Bill Beyer officiating. Burial will be in the Rock River Cemetery, Jefferson, Wisconsin. Friends may call from 3-7PM on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Nitardy Funeral Home Chapel, Fort Atkinson, WI and after 10AM on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the church until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson, WI, the Jefferson County Humane Society, or to Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson.