Robert Lee Burger

Robert Lee Burger, 86, died on Thursday, July 22, at his home in Estero, Florida, peacefully and in the presence of loved ones. He was born on December 2, 1934, in Goshen, IN, to James Q. and Florence (DeYoung) Burger. Survivors include his wife, Barbara (Lageman) Burger, Estero, FL; a sister, Mrs. Ora (Dorothy) Miller, Goshen, IN; two daughters, Kim Goudey of Goshen, IN; Susan (Michael) Feller of Noblesville, IN; a son, James Burger of Noblesville, IN and a stepson, Marc Franceski of Sarasota FL; and 5 grandchildren-Donny and Shelby (Goudey) Norlander, Kelby Goudey, Bobbi Feller, Danielle Feller and Lily Franceski. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, James Q. and Florence (DeYoung) Burger. Bob “Scoot” Burger was a 1952 graduate of New Paris High School, New Paris, IN, where he played basketball, baseball and track. He was a 1956 graduate of Hanover College, Madison, IN, where he was the #1 singles tennis player, held the school record in the pole vault and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Bob was also a veteran and was stationed in Mainz, Germany, during a non-wartime era. Bob began work at the New Paris Creamery Co, Inc. (Burger Dairy) as a teenager. When his father, James Q., died in 1963, Bob became the president of New Paris Creamery Co., Inc., and of the Burger Dairy Stores. Both the Creamery and the Dairy Stores continued to expand during Bob’s tenure with the company. Bob was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen. He served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Work Camp Chaperone and on various committees. Bob was involved in many business organizations and charities in Elkhart County. He served as the president of the Rotary Club, Board of Directors at the First National Bank of Goshen, sponsor of ADEC (Association of Disabled of Elkhart County), President of NICRA in 1974 (National Ice Cream Retailers Association); generous supporter of 4-H youth and a “DreamWorks” Charity Sponsor. Bob was an avid golf and tennis player throughout his life. He won club championships in five decades of his life. He won eight championships at his home course, “Wildcat Run,” in Estero, FL. Bob was also a sponsor of the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) golf tournament in Plymouth, IN, in 1977. The highlight of Bob’s golfing career was a three-night, four-round stay at the “Bobby Jones Cottage” at Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Georgia. There will be a private burial in Goshen, Indiana. Online condolences may be sent to: www.shikanyfuneralhome.com or www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978. (239) 992-4982

Robert Lee Burger

December 2, 1934 - July 22, 2021