Aug. 5, 1945 — March 15, 2018

Sam W. Burge, Jr., 72, passed away at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Sam was born on Aug. 5, 1945, in Niles to the late Samuel W. and Dorothy M. (Deitrich) Burge, Sr. Sam was also preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Lade and Mary (Jim) Skalla; and brother-in-law Mel Lyons.

Sam is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anna (Buckenburger); son, Brian (Maribeth) Burge; daughter, Denise (Quenton) Martins; grandchildren, Wesley (fiancé, Kasey Baginske) Reynolds, Zachary Reynolds, Sam Burge, Jacob Burge, Grace Burge and Emily Burge; great-grandchildren, Jesse Reynolds and MaryJane Reynolds; brother, John (Shirley) Burge; sister, Nancy Lyons; brother-in-law, Bill Lade; and sister-in-law, Ursula Gustav.

Sam was a very loving husband, an amazing father, a wonderful grandfather, and was friends with everyone he would meet. He was dearly loved by his family and friends. Sam honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He retired from Tyler Refrigeration after 37 years of service. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved having family and friends over on Saturday’s to watch Notre Dame Football. In the summer, he spent lots of time at Smith Lake taking his grandkids fishing and for boat rides. He also enjoyed having friends over to the lake for campfires and good times. Other things he enjoyed were mushroom hunting, country music, John Deere tractors, gardening, going to the American Legion, watching his grandchildren participate in sports, going to the Berrien County Fair and watching tractor pulls, singing Karaoke with his friends, and he was always excited to have a good time with family and friends.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, 2018, in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St., Niles. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2018, in St. John’s United Church of Christ 601 Sycamore St., Niles. Burial will follow in Long Lake Cemetery in Berrien Springs.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. There will be a memory box available if you would like to leave an item or message with Sam.

Condolences for the family may be made at halbritterwickens.com.