Philip Burg

Philip Burg age 75 of Decorah, IA, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28 , 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 W. Main St. Decorah, IA, with Rev Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday.

Philip was born to Aloysius and Ivona (Greisch) Burg on May 18, 1949, in Caledonia, Minnesota. Phil was baptized at the Church of St. Peter in Caledonia, Minnesota. He received his K-12 education at St. Patrick Catholic School, where he was involved in various activities including high school basketball and swimming. He was selected as the homecoming king for his graduating class in 1967. After high school, he attended St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota where he graduated cum laude and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with an emphasis in History.

Phil was united in marriage to Barbara Jahn at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse, Wisconsin on August 14, 1971. To this union four children were born: Kimberly, Kelley, Eric, and Andrew. Over the years, Phil worked with his father at Burg Implement Dealership in Waukon, Iowa and then later Phil and his brother, Paul Burg, opened Burg’s Home and Agri Center in Decorah, Iowa. Phil used his engaging personality, knowledge and friendliness to build lasting and positive rapport with customers while demonstrating pride and integrity in his work.

Over the years, Phil enjoyed spending recreational time with his family including various vacations with notably memorable destinations to the Black Hills, Yellowstone National Park and Seattle, Washington. He thoroughly enjoyed his family’s annual camping trip to Jellystone in Warrens, Wisconsin while the children were young. He had unfeigned pride in his children and grandchildren and could often be found racing cars on the floor, building lego sets, shooting baskets and reading books alongside them. Phil was driven, independent and selfless. He valued organization, being thorough, and to a fault at times, devoted meticulous attention and energy to most any small or large task. Phil had a seemingly immeasurable amount of curiosity. He had said many times that he would have loved to have been a full-time career student. Phil was endlessly inquisitive, and learning was a passion. Whether it was a book about ancient history, a "How To" text on home repair, or his National Geographic magazines; he always enjoyed learning and growing.

Phil will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Phil touched many hearts with his warmth, thoughtfulness and care. Through both actions and words, he consistently projected the values of hard work, kindness and commitment to his responsibilities, his family and his friends. Regardless of the situation, Phil had a natural ability to make others feel important and cared for. Phil was notably humble, eternally positive and genuine.

Phil is survived by his wife: Barb Burg of Decorah, Iowa; his children Kimberly (Burg) Johnson-Smith of Delaware, OH, Eric (Amy) Burg of Decorah, IA and Andrew (Josie) Burg of Ankeny, IA; his grandchildren Noah and Finley Johnson-Smith, Josie Mikesh, Josh, Davon and Seth Thompson and Brody Burg; his siblings Paul (Jeanne) Burg, Mike Burg, Joe Burg, and Mary (Michael) O’Hara all of Decorah; his brother in law: Arthur (Kathy) Jahn of Pardeeville, WI and many nieces and nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelley Kathleen (Burg) Mikesh; his parents; his brother Dave Burg; and his in-laws Sam and Marlene Jahn.

A sincere thank you for all of Phil’s family and friends who have shared their thoughts, prayers, condolences and support.

Phil, may you be happy, may you know your wholeness, may you exist in peace and harmony, may your soul know unconditional love and well-being. -Your loving family and friends