Ralph Rudolph Erich Burger was born in Dwight, Illinois on April 3, 1935. He graduated from Dwight Town-ship High School in 1953 and opened a Pure Oil (Union 76) gas station and restaurant on Old Route 66 just outside Dwight in 1957.

He had an entrepreneurial spirit, owning several businesses in Dwight over the next several years, and then moving to Bloomington in 1977 to begin a new business venture.

He was always helping someone, using his God-given ability to repair anything that needed fixing. He never knew a stranger and always greeted you with a big warm smile and treated you as if you were his best friend. He was an amazing encourager as he always wanted to hear about you and did not like talking about himself.

He was predeceased by his parents, Martin Burger and Louise Burger (Hahn); his four brothers:  Helmuth Burger, Walter Burger, Leo Burger and Harold Burger; his only sister, Helen Burger (Grieff); and his granddaughter, Jamie Burger.

He is survived by his two sons, Marty Burger and Rick Burger; two grandchildren, Jessie Pugh (Burger) and Keith Smith; and his great-granddaughter, Elaina Grace Pugh.

Special recognition and thanks for the tender loving care provided by Amy, Madi, Judy McGowan and Jo Heid-loff.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church Goodfarm, located at 515 E. Stonewall Road, Dwight, IL 60420.

The Memorial Service will be private, due to COVID restrictions.

Flowers may be sent to Hager Memorial Home (website is https://www.calvertmemorial/dwightarea).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Goodfarm, P.O. Box 27, Dwight, Illinois 60420.Ralph Burger