James Donald (Don) Burg

James Donald (Don) Burg passed away unexpectedly at Hospice of Hamilton on Thursday, August 27, 2009. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio on January 23, 1923 to Elmer C. and Mary (Wedder) Burg. Don was educated at St. Peter in Chains and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1940. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended Duke University in Durham, NC and enrolled in the V-12 program. After Duke he served aboard the USS Mercer until his discharge in 1946. In 1948 he married Frances R. Trembly who preceded him in death in 1986. Two children, Donna Aufranc and Connie Salcius were born to this union. Upon returning home from service, he entered business with his father and brother Bob at BURGS, INC. In 1976 he became president and sole stockholder in BURGS, INC. In 1988 he married Elsa Goos Stephenson. They enjoyed their homes in Hamilton and Lake Havasu, AZ. Don was past President of the Hamilton Sertoma Club; past President of Butler County Society for Crippled Children and Adults; Treasurer of Hamilton Association of Trade and Industry. He served on the Mercy Hospital Civic Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees of the Hamilton City Club. He was a Life Member of BPOELKS #93; member of the American Legion, Hamilton Lodge; member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity; member of St. Peter in Chains since 1929; social member of the Knights of Columbus; member of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce; member of state and national clothing associations. He was preceded in death by his wife of thirty-eight years, Frances, his parents, brothers Robert J. and William, First Lieutenant Army Air Corp, killed in action during World War II. Don is survived by his loving wife Elsa of 21 years, devoted daughters Donna Aufranc and husband Gary of Hamilton and Connie Salcius and husband Andy of New York City; grandchildren Brooke Aufranc of Monroe and Griffin Aufranc of Columbus whom he adored. He also leaves behind four loyal stepchildren and their families: Suzanne Stephenson, Craig and Faye Stephenson, Holly and John Reiner and Jeff and Jenny Stephenson. Also surviving are his nieces Marilyn (Fred) Wilson, Deborah (Joe) Baker, and nephew Tom (Patricia) Burg. He also leaves behind numerous friends and extended family whom he cherished. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Peter in Chains Church with Father Bunch celebrating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at Weigel Funeral Home, 980 NW Washington Blvd., Hamilton, Ohio on Sunday, from 2-4 p.m. Prayers will be said on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Father Timothy Bunch, Pastor Kevin Jud, Dr. George Manitsas and Dr. Taryn Goel who cared for Don with great compassion and friendship; the IMC and ICU staffs at Ft. Hamilton; Hospice of Hamilton. Memorials can be directed to St. Peter in Chains, 382 Liberty Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45013 or The Hamilton Community Foundation, 319 North Third Street, Hamilton, OH 45011.

Tributes

James Donald (Don) Burg

August 27, 2009