ANDREW “ANDY” BURGE

Andrew Burge, age 94, of Elburn, completed his duty to his country passing away peacefully on December 7, 2022.

Andy was born to proud and loving parents; Andrew and Mildred (Wilson) Burge on January 3, 1928.

He grew up in Los Angeles, California in the 1930’s where one of the children in the neighborhood was none other than “Buckwheat” from the show “Little Rascals”. He saw and talked to many black celebrities and civil rights leaders like Malcolm X.

Andy graduated from Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. After high school, following some military training, he enlisted in the military shortly after high school. He went into the service right before the Korean War.

Andy made his home in Illinois working at the Veteran’s Administration in Hines, Illinois.  Georgia Lee was also employed at the Veteran’s Administration and wanted to fix Andy up with her friend, Martha. But, Andy’s interest was in Georgia and their friendship grew to love. The two were united in marriage on June 30, 1978. The newly-wedded couple moved from city to city throughout their years together finally settling down in Elburn. 

In the 1950’s, after trying to get used to civilian life, he worked for the Veteran’s Administration as a union steward. He worked his way up the corporate ladder becoming a supervisor, then an assistant chief which meant he had to be transferred to the warehouse in Hines, Illinois. He was second in command of his department for many years. After 35 years of loyal service, Andy retired on January 3, 1986.

 Andy and his wife Georgia were proud and faithful members of the Wheaton Christian Center, where he received a number of achievements and awards. When in Elburn, the couple kept their faith strong at the Family Life Church in Elburn.

Andy had a love for equestrian life, swimming and golf.  He also liked to challenge himself with any audio that he could tape for mission trips or just for his personal use. Because he spent his life traveling and living in many different cities, Andy was very adaptable to many places; always finding fun wherever he went. The family travelled to many places which included: his home state of California, to see family for Thanksgiving in Georgia and to North Carolina on a bus trip that they took with friends and family. Andrew was a courageous man; his own man, right or wrong. Throughout his life he respected himself and others. His family will always remember his strength, his beautiful personality and that he loved the Lord. Andy rests in peace with the Lord today.

Andy is survived by his loving wife: Georgia Burge; as well as 7 children: LaTanya Burge, Theresa Andrea Burge, Andrew Burge III, Eldred Burge, Mildred Annette Burge, Jerry (Debbie) Burge, and Audrey Burge; 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; 4 great great-grandchildren; a step-child from his marriage, Reggie Wells; 3 step grandchildren: Reggie Shermontt Wells, Taila Wells, and Regina Griffee; 5 step great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews and a community of friends.

Andy is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mildred Burge; his son, Lawrence Burge, and his step-son, Leonard Wells.

Andy’s family will hold a Celebration in his honor on December 17, 2022, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. and a Memorial Service following at 11:00 a.m., at the Conley Funeral Home, 116 W Pierce St., Elburn, Illinois 60119.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Andy’s name. Checks may be made to the “Andrew Burge Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.