Colonel Philip R. Burger Jr.

Colonel Philip R. Burger, Jr. US Air Force (Retired) Phil Burger of Salinas passed away peacefully at home on April 1st, 2023. A proud product of Rutgers University and Air Force ROTC, Phil enjoyed 28 years of active duty in the Air Force, retiring as a Colonel, and counting among his awards a Legion of Merit and a Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal. In his final assignment, Col. Burger oversaw 296 high school ROTC units and 153 college units. Col. Burger was also proud of his pre-Air Force achievements, specifically Boy Scouts, where he earned the highest available rank of Eagle, including 6 palms and 54 merit badges. He also earned the Explorer Ace and Explorer Silver Awards and was a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow, which is the highest level. Phil's wife of 57 years, Donna Burger, died in 2016, and her cremains will be interred with him. Phil and Donna were both very devoted parents and grandparents. Together Phil and Donna had and were greatly loved by their three children: Bill Burger (with wife Brenda) of Gilbert, Arizona; Cynthia Staub of Salinas; and Laura Stukbauer (with husband John) of Niceville, Florida. Phil and Donna also will be missed by their four grandchildren: Zachary Staub and Lancelot Staubolito (with wife Lauren); Kelly and Jason Stukbauer; and by other family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St. Salinas, CA 93901.Funeral Service will be at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Struve and Laporte Chapel.Military Honors and Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, 2900 Parker Flats Road, Seaside, CA 93955. Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com.