William Robert “Bill” Burg, 97, lived a full and remarkable life, guided by faith, strengthened by family, and enriched by a lifelong love of learning. He was a man of many interests and accomplishments, but what mattered most to him was the life he shared with JeAnne, his beloved wife of more than 60 years.

Born in Venango, Nebraska, to Frank and Alvena Burg, Bill grew up near Fort Collins, Colorado, and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1947. He attended Colorado A&M, where he studied agricultural economics and was invited to try out for the Olympic wrestling team. Following graduation in 1952, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge.

After returning home, Bill pursued a master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he met and married fellow chemistry student JeAnne Cooper. Their marriage was a true partnership that challenged the traditional expectations of their generation. Rather than following conventional roles, they took turns pursuing advanced degrees, championing each other's careers, and creating opportunities for one another. They were not simply husband and wife, but partners in every sense of the word.

Bill earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Kent State University and taught at several universities, including Eastern New Mexico University, Nicholls State University, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He was among the early professionals certified in industrial hygiene and later established a successful consulting business in Atlanta, Georgia. When JeAnne’s career with the U.S. Public Health Service brought the family to Atlanta, Bill wholeheartedly supported the move. He was especially proud of her achievements, including her service as a Captain in the Public Health Service.

Outside his professional pursuits, Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who approached his interests with characteristic enthusiasm. He enjoyed photography, boating, and racquetball, competing in the latter well into his 80s. He and JeAnne also delighted in “going vett’ng”—taking drives in their beloved Corvettes, often stopping at Bob Evans along the way. Bill was also one of the first fathers to volunteer as a homeroom dad, enthusiastically accompanying his children’s classes on field trips.

Bill and JeAnne raised their two children, Timothy and Samantha, while creating a home where education, encouragement, and a good sense of humor were always welcome. Their Christian faith shaped their commitment to others, and they remained active in their church and community. They enjoyed retirement in Sun City, South Carolina, before moving to Fleet Landing in Mayport, Florida, in 2016.

As JeAnne’s health declined from Parkinson’s disease, Bill became her steadfast caregiver and tireless advocate. She passed away in October 2020, with Bill at her side.

In his later years, Bill enjoyed listening to audiobooks and sharing time with those he loved. Visits with his children, daughter-in-law Karen, and grandsons Tre and Tai were especially precious to him.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Samantha S. Burg; his son, Timothy C. Burg, and daughter-in-law, Karen J. L. Burg; and his grandsons, Tre and Tai Burg.

Bill leaves a legacy of intellectual curiosity, steadfast love, joyful memories, and a willingness to embrace life's possibilities. His family gives thanks to God for 97 remarkable years and rests in the blessed assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

For Bill, the adventure continues.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) in Bill’s memory. Donations may be made online at https://www.macular.org/want-to-help/donate or by mail to AMDF, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515. Please indicate that your gift is in memory of William Robert “Bill” Burg.