Audrey J. Buerger

Audrey June Buerger (Beck)

June 17, 1935 – October 4, 2025

With heavy hearts but immense gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we share that our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Audrey Buerger, passed away peacefully, at the age of 90, on October 4, 2025 surrounded by her family, who adored her.

She was born on June 17, 1935, to Martin and Olive Beck (Franke), who cherished her as their only child. A true “daddy’s girl,” she inherited his gentle spirit and unfailing kindness. From her mother, she inherited the gift of cooking, a gift that became the heart of many family traditions. Whether it was her famous cookies, fudge, the much-anticipated bread dumplings for Easter or dressing for Thanksgiving, she had a way of making every meal taste like love. One of our most treasured traditions was gathering to prepare Thanksgiving dinner, learning her kitchen secrets, and carrying forward the recipes that will forever connect us to her.

She met the love of her life, Conrad “Connie” Buerger, in school, and together they built a lifelong love story as high school sweethearts. They married on April 21, 1954, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lomira. For 67 years she faithfully stood by his side whether following him across the country during his Army service, helping build his masonry business, or riding with him in the tractor as he farmed. Together, they created a home full of love, laughter, and four children who were their pride and joy.

Our mom and grandma lived her life in service to others, quietly and selflessly. She lovingly cared for her grandmother, her parents, and her husband, remaining their devoted caregiver until each of their final days. Her compassion was boundless. For us she was more than a mom or a grandma, she was a living example of what it means to reflect God’s image through love, generosity, and devotion.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid bowler, once bowling a nearly perfect game. Over the past 20 years, some of her happiest moments were spent on slow pontoon rides around Little Green Lake, sipping a Coca-Cola with her dog Sassy by her side. Her love for crocheting turned into a legacy of keepsakes, as she made baby blankets for each of her great-grandchildren, stitching warmth and love into every piece.

But her greatest joy was her family. She showed up in every way that mattered, on the sidelines cheering, at the table listening, with arms ready to comfort, or by dropping everything to lend a hand. She had a gift for making each of us feel seen, whether through her presence or the perfect present chosen just for us. She was our safe place, our encourager, our example of unconditional love. She was the heart of our family, and her kindness, strength, and faith have shaped us all.

Her incredible legacy lives on in her children: Holly (Dale) Rose, Cindy (Harry) Baker, Jody (Jim) Hillmann, and Gary (RaeAnn) Buerger; her 11 grandchildren: Katie (Chris) Pickhardt, Kristin (Eric) Stortz, Justin Baker (Gail Hitsman), Stacey (Deven) Fink, Tate Hillmann, Breanna Buerger, Bryce Buerger, Brady (Sadie) Buerger, Bennett (Hailey) Buerger, Janna (Ben) Zak, and Justin (Katy) Hillmann; and her 14 great-grandchildren: Cooper Pickhardt, Julia and Charlie Stortz, Emmett and Hudson Fink, Hailie, Hazel, and Brayden Buerger, Willow, Clyde, Magnolia, and Felix Zak, Hazel and Ivy Hillmann, and Grace; and one more blessing on the way from Bennett and Hailey.

She will also be deeply missed by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Betz, Jean Buerger, LuEllen Reimer, Donna Herman, Joan Buerger, Mike Buerger, Dean (Stephanie) Buerger, and her beloved dog Sassy; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is now reunited in heaven with her husband Connie, her parents Martin and Olive, and her in-laws Sylvester and Olive Buerger (Wondra), as well as brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Wally Betz, Joe Buerger, Kenny Reimer, Frannie Herman, Bill Buerger, and Gladys Buerger.

Though we grieve, we celebrate the joy she brought to our lives. Her love was our foundation, her faith our guide, and her laughter our comfort. Her memory will live forever in our hearts and in the traditions we carry forward in her honor.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Liberty House, the Fond du Lac Paramedics, SSM hospital staff, and SSM Hospice Home of Hope for their grace and compassion throughout her final days.

We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating our mom and grandma’s beautiful life on Monday, October 13, 2025, from Noon until 2:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth Street Way in Fond du Lac.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Audrey’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.