Joseph C. Burg

Joseph C. Burg, 84, Woodstock, died Nov. 6, 2017, at Centegra Hospital-McHenry, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 19, 1933, to Christopher and Anna (Ahlers) Burg, in Manitowoc, Wis., the youngest of eight children.

The family moved to Woodstock in 1945. He attended St. Mary Catholic School, graduating from high school in 1951. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years.

On Sept. 7, 1953, he married Mary Ellen Evans at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. They had five children.

He was a carpenter, working with Freund Construction for 25 years. He retired from Peet Frate Line Inc. He was active on the St. Mary School Board, serving as president, and he was a member of the St. Mary Parish Council. He was an active member of the Woodstock Council #776 Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight and longtime financial secretary. He was also a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.

He was a 28-year member of the Woodstock Rural Fire Department, where he earned the position of chief.  He was a past president of the McHenry County Fire Chief’s Association.

He and his wife enjoyed many memorable vacations with friends as well as spending time at their summer home in the Wisconsin Dells.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years; his children, Mary Jo Burg, Chicago, Marcia (Jeff) Porter, Woodstock, Gary (Wendy) Burg, Portland, Ore., Robert Burg, Woodstock, and Michelle (Curtis) Price, Woodstock; grandchildren, Meagan (Andrew Ruehl) Porter, C J Price, Abigail Burg, Alivia Price, Kylie Burg, Madelyn Price and Jason Burg; great-grandchildren, Caden and Cambrie Ruehl; a sister-in-law, Susan Evans; and 38 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings, William (Grace) Burg, Al (Audrey) Burg, John (Dorothy) Burg, Helen (Ralph Kristensen), Dorothy (George) Kohl, Ervin (Phylliis) Burg, Claire (Tennes) Gabrielson; and a brother-in-law, Robert Evans.

Visitation was Nov. 10 at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 11 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Woodstock.

Memorials can be made to the St. Mary Guardian Angel Fund or the Marian Central Catholic High School Athletic Department.