Raymond Burge

Raymond G. Burge, Raymond "Ray" Burge, 84, of Crystal Falls, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette. Raymond was born March 22, 1927 in Alpha, Michigan, son of the late Ray and Katherine (Fredrickson) Burge. He was a 1944 graduate of Alpha High School and went on to attend the University of Michigan and after his military service, Dundon's Business College graduating in 1952. Ray served in the United States Army during WWII. He participated in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater with the 11th Airborne Division, 188th Battalion and was honorably discharged from the service in December 1946. After spending a little time working in the Racine,WI area after the war, Ray returned to this area and has resided here since. Ray was the manager at the Alpha-Crystal Falls Credit Union and treasurer for the U.P Chapter of Credit Unions for many years. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Crystal Falls and The First Methodist Church in Alpha. Ray served as Alpha village president from 1953-62 and as the Iron County Justice of the Peace from 1964-68. He was also active in local military organizations including, The Disabled American Veterans, served as past Commander of the Alpha/Mastadon Veterans of Foreign Wars, past Commander of the Crystal Falls American Legion and past Secretary of the 82nd Airborne Chapter of the Western U.P. Ray loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also was the Amasa horseshoe champion for many years. Ray is survived by his sister, Fern McGeath of Petoskey; Very special friends, Jon Larson and Jeremy Larson of Crystal Falls and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, William "Lester", Alvin and Wayne Burge. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 5:00-7:00pm at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 1st at 11:00am from the funeral home. Rev. Nathan Reed will officiate. The Eastside Veterans will conduct a Pass and Review at 10:45 AM on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Condolences to the family of Raymond Burge may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Raymond Burge

March 22, 1927 - February 23, 2012