John Herman Burgess

John Herman Burgess of Bridgeton, MI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at his home on the Muskegon River surrounded by loving family members.  John was born on March 24, 1929 in Muskegon, MI to John and Ange Burgess.  After graduating from Muskegon High School, he married his high school sweetheart Alvena Rufener in 1950.  They moved to Fremont, MI with their young family in 1957 and established Burgess Eggs, Inc., which they successfully ran for 30 years.

John lived his life dedicated to four things:  faith, family, friends and fishing.  He was a lifelong member of the Reformed Church of America and a founding member of The Church of the Living Christ, RCA in Fremont, MI.  He was a devoted family man, a loyal friend to many, and an avid fisherman.  One of his greatest pleasures was to host his “famous” fish frys or chicken barbeques at the river for family, friends, and church members.

John is survived by his children Robin (John) Rolph of Middletown, MD; David (Cherie) Burgess of Yankeetown, FL; Gayle (Dan) Moon of Fremont, MI; and Brian (Julie) Burgess of Houston, TX; 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 3 great, great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Adele Nicholes, his brother Rodg Burgess (Marlene Gilliland), sisters-in-law Alice Rufener, Carol Wilbrandt Roberts, Darlene Wilbrandt and numerous nieces and nephews.  John was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Alvena, his grandson Lance Moon, and his brother Carl Burgess.

Special thanks to all who assisted in his care at Green Acres in Fremont and to those with Grace Hospice at his home on the river.  Due to the current Coronavirus Pandemic, John will be laid to rest next to his wife Alvena with a small, private graveside ceremony to be held at the Bridgeton Township Cemetery.  A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later time to be announced.

The family has suggested Grace Hospice and the Church of the Living Christ Endowment Fund at the Fremont Area Community Foundation (FACF) for anyone wishing to contribute to a memorial for John. Grace Hospice address is:  3355 Eagle Park Drive, NE, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI  49525. The Fremont Area Community Foundation will match contributions when designating “In memory of John Burgess” for the Church of the Living Christ Endowment Fund on your check or on-line.  FACF checks can be mailed to FACF, 4424 West 48th Street, Fremont, MI  49412.  Arrangements by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. www.kroeze-wolffis.com

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