Charles R. Burg Jr. passed away on the evening of June 1, 2023. He was 74.
Chuck was in his family room, surrounded by his adoring wife and three sons. A full moon rose above the trees of his country home that night. Now Chuck shines down on us, after months of battling an aggressive form of stomach cancer.
Husband of 50 years, Loving Father, Devoted Son, Brother, Uncle, Army Veteran, Business owner of 36 years, 4th Degree K of C Knight, Founder of a Victorian Society, Collector of Rare Gas Lamps, High School Football Star, Sportsman, and more. Chuck was not one to talk about himself, but he truly lived a remarkable life.
The son of Charles Sr. and Julia (Riecica) Burg, Chuck was born on February 13, 1949, in Milwaukee. At age nine, his family moved to Clintonville. He graduated from Clintonville High School in ‘67. A beloved member of his class, Chuck would keep strong ties with classmates his entire life.
In 1968, he was drafted into the Army and served in the 1st Battalion of the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. Chuck did what we see in movies, jump out of helicopters into the jungle with a machine gun. He fought on Hill 937 (Hamburger Hill). He rarely spoke of his time in Vietnam, and it was only after his passing that his family saw his medals for bravery.
Following his return to the states, Chuck met his soulmate, Bernadette Blaser in 1970 at Club 45 (a dance hall on Highway 45). While they dated, Chuck attended Spencerian College in Milwaukee. They were married in 1973 at St. Joseph Church in Chase. The couple resided in Milwaukee until 1979, when Chuck was transferred to Green Bay. A much welcomed move, it allowed the couple to raise their children in a smaller community with strong family values.
In 1987 the couple launched their own business, ATI Color, Inc. If you’ve ever been in a car accident, Chuck likely made the paint for your repair. He was proud that his sons got involved in the business as well. When asked about work, Chuck would always say, “Well, it’s colorful,” followed by a chuckle.
Christmas was his favorite time of year. He would plan the Christmas dinner weeks in advance. And on all the weekends that weren’t Christmas, he’d try to make them like a holiday. Saturday mornings always involved a big breakfast with family (and heaps of bacon).
Chuck was a man of great faith. He was deeply involved in the Knights of Columbus, always excited to prepare his thoughts for meetings as Grand Knight and Navigator. He was also active in the Honor Guard.
Meeting friends in period dress of the early 1900’s, was Chuck’s happy place. Charles and Bernadette loved history and dressing up like historical figures (Chuck was a very convincing Teddy Roosevelt). Along with their friends, Mary and Doug Lueskow, they formed G.L.O.V.E.S (Gilded Lives of Victorian Edwardian Society). The group does period dress and monthly themed dinners. Chuck and Bernie also attended 18 gatherings of Somewhere In Time at Mackinac Island, MI; as well as Titanic Events. He has many resources of theTitanic and became friends with Dave Kaplan; Historian and Titanic Speaker.
A tremendous drive behind Chuck’s battle with cancer was making it to see his and Bernadette’s 50th anniversary. It was May 5, 2023. He was elated that Fr. Greg Plata did a private blessing with immediate family at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay on May 13, 2023. Chuck was a very proud father to his three sons, their wives, and grandchildren. He always said those were his greatest blessings. They were all present for that intimate wedding ceremony in the hospital.
Charles is survived by his loving wife Bernadette; three sons, David H. (Erica) Burg, Austin, TX, Michael J. (Kimberly) Burg, Howard, and Charles Burg III, Chase; his four grandchildren: Charlotte, Wil, Emily and Ben; three sisters: Connie Knepler, Racine, Marilyn Knoll, Milwaukee, and Arlene Schramm, Milwaukee; four brothers-in-law: William Blaser, Plymouth, Ben Lindekugel, Plymouth, Bruce (Paige) Blaser, Chase, Paul Blaser (Karen), Atlanta, GA; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
In addition to his parents, Charles and Julia Burg, he was preceded in death by brothers-in-law: Herb Knepler, Ralph Knoll, and James Schramm; and Bernadette’s parents, Bernard and Virginia Blaser.
Friends are invited to gather with family at Assumption B.V.M. Church, 119 E. Pulaski St., Pulaski, on Thursday, June 8, from 4-7 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus evening service at 6:45 p.m. and a parish wake service at 7 p.m.
Visitation will continue on Friday at the church from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1pm with Fr. Greg Plata, O.F.M. presiding. Military honors rendered by the Pulaski Area Veterans will follow at the church. Interment will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chase. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Franciscan Friars of the Assumption BVM.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Unity Hospice Team and the following people: Paul Blaser, Barb Brunette, Carol Reinhard, Bill Blaser, Ben Lindekugel, Bruce and Paige Blaser, and Howie (Chuck’s beloved Chihuahua).
Online condolences may be offered to the Burg family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.