Ronald Lee Burger passed away suddenly on July 15, 2025, at his home, with his loving wife by his side. He was born Dec. 30, 1946, to Charles and Janie (Forsythe) Burger in Gary, Indiana, where he spent his youth and graduated with the William A. Wirt High School Class of 1963.
Ron was drafted into the Army during Vietnam and was fortunately stationed in Germany as an MP. It was there that he met the love of his life, a German Fräulein named Brigitte. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the United States and began his studies. A year later, Brigitte joined him, and they were married in 1969.
The couple then moved to Canton, Missouri, where Ron earned his BA from Culver-Stockton College in 1972.
Ron went on to teach school and sell real estate for six years before joining Edward Jones as one of their first 200 investment advisors. In 1978, he and Brigitte moved to Chehalis, where he opened the firm’s fourth office in Washington state. His career with Edward Jones would go on to span 30 years — a time during which he built many deep and meaningful relationships with his clients, whom he cared for deeply.
Ron was a man of many passions. He loved golf and was a true fixture at Riverside Golf Course over the years. He loved travel and saw the world. One of his fondest memories was of a trip that he and Brigitte took with four dear friends in 1973 when they bought a VW bus and traveled across Europe for a summer. And of course, he loved to cook and entertain friends and family. If Ron Burger was there, he always went out of his way to make sure a good time was had by all.
In retirement, Ron embraced his most cherished role — “Opa” to his grandchildren, Gabriel and Mirabel. He was a fiercely dedicated grandfather who never missed a game. Whether it was a chilly soccer morning or a school event, Opa was always there — cheering, smiling, and beaming with pride. His presence was constant, his support unwavering, and his joy in his grandchildren’s lives immeasurable.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Janie Burger; his brother, Charles “Chuck” Burger; his sister, Bonnie Trosper; and his dear aunt, Patti Mathias. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Brigitte “Gitti” Burger; his son, Derek (Corina) Burger; his treasured grandchildren, Gabriel and Mirabel Burger; Corina’s parents, Mickey and Ken Albert, who became true family to Ron; his sister-in-law, Karen Burger; his uncle, Dave Mathias; and numerous nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at Riverside Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Chehalis Foundation to help build a new soccer and football field at W.F. West High School, or to Culver-Stockton College.
