Marjorie M Burger

Marion Marjorie Merrell Burger, 95, died Tuesday, November 09, 2004 at 3:00 P.M. at Paradise Manor in Marion. Marjorie was born in Rockford, Illinois on September 22, 1909 to Hosmer Tryon Merrell, Sr. & Freda Flora (Schneider) Merrell. She was united in marriage to Dr.Joseph M. Burger on October 11, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI. He preceded her in death on March 19, 1961. Marjorie graduated from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois with degrees in Latin and English. She taught English in the Chicago area, Sturgis, South Dakota, and retired in 1973 after teaching English for sixteen years in the Marion School District. While her great love and prowess involved playing duplicate bridge, she was involved in many civic organizations in Marion, including P.E.O. Chapter MN, having joined in Hampton, Iowa in 1932, American Association of University Women, Marion Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, St. Joseph Altar Society, and Fortnightly Club. She was a co-founder of Marion Newcomers Club and the Marion Meals on Wheels. Survivors include: Son William Joseph Burger and wife Mary Ann of Butte, MT Daughter Sandra Blankenship and husband William of Marion Brother Dr. Hosmer T. Merrell and wife Mary Jane of Tuscoloosa, AL formerly of Marion Sister Jean Merrell Weaver and husband Leon of Matteson, IL Cha-Cha, as she was fondly called, had a wonderful zest for life. She is loved and adored by family and family pets. She is survived by seven grandchildren: William Eugene Blankenship, Jr. & Deborah of Marion Lisa Blankenship Conley & Karl of Marion Pamm Blankenship Hunter & Larry of Carterville Jennifer Burger Loomis & Jody of Helena, MI Joseph Merrell Burger & Michele of Dallas, TX Sara Burger-Wood & Maj. David Wood of Kansas City, MO and Fort Riley, KS David Burger of Denver, CO Thirteen Great Grandchildren: Two Sisters-in-laws Hannah Kielcheski of Wisconsin Frances Boggs of Wisconsin Several Nieces and Nephews Preceded by: Parents, Husband, One Beloved Nephew David Richard Merrell who lost his life in the Vietnam War. The Funeral Mass will be Friday, November 12th at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion with Father Richard Mohr officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 7:00 P.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home. For those who prefer memorials may be made to Marion Cultural and Civic Center or Hospice of S.I. Envelopes will be available at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home and at the Church. For additional information or to sign the guest memorial register please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.