Jon E. Burgermeister

On August 30, 2024, Jon Edward Burgermeister passed away at his home from a prolonged illness at the age of 86.  His wife and sons cared for him and were with him at his death.  Jack, or Burgie as his friends called him, was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 7, 1938.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy and his son, George Scott.  He is survived by his survived by his wife, Marilyn and his sons, Michael Edward, Jon Douglas and Matthew Forest.

Jack loved his youth in Toledo and seemed to remember everything about it.  Because of the way he shared his vivid memories his family feels they were a part of that past.  Jack’s family moved to Grandview Heights, Ohio when he was in the 6th grade, and he attended Grandview schools.  He graduated with the Class of 1956.  Jack married his High School sweetheart, Marilyn (Mimi) Jones in 1960 and they raised five wonderful children. While he was in the hospital, they celebrated their 64th anniversary.

Jack graduated from Ohio State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry.  He began his career in paper sales and ultimately became Inventory Manager for the area west of the Mississippi for Mead Paper Company. His journey took him from Ohio to Chicago then to Denver.

Jack had a variety of interests in which he became proficient, if not expert.  There was photography, not only taking photographs but developing them so he could get the look/feel he wanted.  Continuing: he worked on cars (out of necessity), was a history “buff”, enjoyed field trips and was a Colorado Master Gardner, something of which he was extremely proud.  He was active with the group for many years.  Jack liked to watch all football but really loved his favorite teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns…and his sons’ High School teams.

Jack was a loyal friend. He kept in touch with those friends he made at work and in High School.  He liked to write letters because “people like to get mail” and he also kept in touch by email.  I know many people will miss his correspondence. 

One of the things Jack did like the most was when he made people laugh.  His humor was spontaneous; he didn’t tell jokes.  He was funny, unexpected things.  Jack said he never knew what was going to come out of his mouth when he opened it.  And that was true.  In the middle of a serious conversation, he would say something that made the person or persons burst out with laughter.  Someone’s observations, comments or answers, could bring on the laughter from an unexpected response just because Jack’s mouth opened.  That truly made life with him fun. 

Jack lived a full and happy life and I was able to share 70 years of it with him.