Donald Ray Burgener, age 95 died peacefully at Evangelical Homes Saline Michigan Long Term Care on June 5, 2024. He is survived by sons Ken (Carol) Burgener and Paul (Jean Ann) Burgener, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his daughter Bea (Jeff) Grushcow and wife Opal (Schoof) Burgener.

Don was born on August 7, 1928 in Richland County Illinois, son of Walter E. and Ruth G. (Seiler) Burgener, and grew up in the small town of Olney, Illinois. He never lost the small-town values of trust and neighborliness. He received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, where he met Opal, who became his wife for the next 63 years. He served as an officer on a destroyer in the Navy during the Korean War, and then worked for the General Electric Corporation for 37 years in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and then Chesterland, Ohio. In retirement he volunteered with Geauga County Habitat for Humanity.

Don was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church throughout his life. He served in various roles in children’s education and was eager to volunteer for clean-up and repair tasks.

Don was always known as a very loving and self-sacrificing man, always willing to grab some tools and pitch in to help a neighbor on a project. People who met Don mention his friendly and positive attitude, even to the end when confined to bed in a nursing home. Don and Opal’s marriage was an example of love and covenant commitment.

A funeral service will be held at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, located at 12524 Chillicothe, Road, Chesterland, 44026, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 10am. Burial will follow at Knollwood Cemetery in Mayfield Heights.

Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home, Chesterland, OH