Albert William Burger

Albert William “Bill” Burger, a loving husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of three and a grandfather of two, passed away at the age of 80 on April 1.

Bill was born Sept. 19, 1940, in Ida Grove to the late Albert and Ruby Burger. 

Bill attended Jefferson High School in Jefferson, where he met the love of his life, Sheri. He then continued his education at the University of Iowa (Go Hawkeyes!) where he studied and worked at the Center for Disabilities and Development as an orderly. After working in taxidermy, Bill found his career as a maxillofacial prosthetist.

He worked for the University of Iowa Hospital and then the Wilmington, Delaware, Veterans’ Hospital after his family moved to Delaware. Bill also taught facial prosthetics at Temple University and Columbia University.

He was a member of Optimist International and was a former scoutmaster. He was internationally known for his work casting hands of famous persons which remains on display at Baylor University today.

Bill had a heart for animals his whole life — creating an oasis for neighborhood critters from his boyhood to his retirement. He loved to bird-watch in his own backyard, go fishing and hunting, and build squirrel feeders.

Bill could often be seen singing to John Denver songs, fixing up cars (the Opel GTs and Datsun 240Z), or rooting on the University of Iowa Hawkeyes with his wife and family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sherritt (“Sheri”); children Bradford William (wife, Carla) Burger; Sheli (husband, George) Baker; Greg (wife, Maureen) Burger; granddaughters Natalie Burrow and Lindsey (husband, Nick) Babb.  

He was preceded in death by his siblings Kay Marten, Julie Riley and Jon Burger.

Private family services will be held.

In memory of Bill’s love for animals, contributions may be made to the Hamilton County Humane Society in Bill’s name.  Please visit flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.