Maurice L. Burgener, age 100, passed away on September 13, 2024. He was born on January 2, 1924, to George and Elnora (Iaggi) Burgener in Olney, IL.

Beloved husband of 75 years to Betty Burgener. Loving father to David (Claudia), Gary, Randy (Heidi) and the late Mary Louise. Cherished grandfather of Karen (Mike) Kusmierz, Kim (James) Binsfeld, Amy (Bryan) Zeiher, the late Kristy and the late Bradley. Dearest great-grandfather of Ella and Reid Kusmierz.

Maurice grew up during the depression on a farm in South Central Illinois. He graduated from Olney School and attended Phoenix Junior College before volunteering to enter the Air Force in 1943. The Air Force sent him to the University of Chicago to train as a weatherman. He served in California and Brazil during the war and returned to the University of Illinois obtaining a Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering with Bronze Tablet honors. His one and only job was with the Portland Cement Association which was quite a cultural shock, going from a simple farm boy to a corporate vice president.

He and Betty were married in 1948 eventually settling in Elmhurst, IL where they became life long members of St. Peter's United Church of Christ. Maurice served in many roles from usher to church council and many of their friends came from there.
Maurice was a tinkerer and was always painting, fixing things around the house, and gardening with Betty. As a volunteer, he participated in the Elmhurst Historical Museum Pioneer Days, often demonstrating chair caning. At Bensenville Home, he built a bench to honor their 25th anniversary. At the Elmhurst Public Library, he was an outreach delivery driver at age 81. He started doing some carving after he retired and loved to make wooden toys for his grandchildren. Maurice loved to take walks with Betty around the neighborhood, where they enjoyed much of their married life.

A visitation held at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home, THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, directly followed by a memorial service at the funeral home.

Elmhurst Community Funeral Home, Elmhurst, IL

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