Josef "Andy" Burger

Josef Anton "Andy" Burger passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026, at the age of 90.

Andy was born on August 21, 1935, near Friedrichshafen am Bodensee, Germany. In June 1951, he immigrated to the United States with his parents, Anton and Josefine Burger, marking the beginning of a new chapter for their family.

In September 1956, Andy was proud to receive his United States citizenship. He later married Vera Lee Knotts in July 1961. Together, they built a life rooted in love and family. After Vera's courageous battle with cancer, she passed away in 2003. In 2005, Andy found love again and married Brunhilde Heidrich.

For over 40 years, Andy was a dedicated dairy farmer, raising Ayrshire and Holstein cows. He especially enjoyed showing his cows at the Delaware State Fair each year. His commitment to agriculture and his passion for the farming community were evident in all that he did.

Andy was deeply involved in his community. He was a Charter member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph Parish, Chairman of the New Castle Conservation Board of Directors, and served on the New Castle County Planning Board. He also took leadership roles as Director of the Delaware State Fair Board and the Harrington Raceway. Andy was particularly proud to serve on the Planning Committee for the new St. Joseph Church.

Throughout his life, Andy gave generously of his time to various organizations. He was Past President of the MOT Jaycees, Middletown Lions Club, MOT Rotary Club, St. Joseph's Parish Council, and the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts. While his daughters were in high school, Andy was actively involved with the Middletown High School Band Boosters. He was a lifetime honorary member of the Townsend Fire Company and served as Secretary for its Board of Directors for many years.

After he retired from milking cows, Andy worked as Executive Assistant to former New Castle County Executive Dennis Greenhouse during two terms in office. He later served as a Public Relations Officer for the Delaware Department of Transportation for almost ten years, contributing his expertise and dedication to public service.

Over the years, Andy was recognized with numerous awards from the many organizations he supported, reflecting his commitment and contributions to his community.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Josefine Burger, and his first wife, Vera.

He is survived by his second wife, Brunhilde Heidrich Burger, and her children, Eric Heidrich (Stephanie) and Sonja Cucunato, his brother, Ludwig Burger (Angie), three daughters: Eileen Mears (JC), Sandy Hagadorn, and Joanne Walls; four grandchildren: Russell McNatt (Tyler Dean), Josef Mears (Tricia), Patricia Brenner (Alex), and Melinda Hagadorn (Brian Lebischak); and five great-grandchildren: Kylie Mears, Josef Mears, Jr., Ella Kelly, Nicholas Lebischak, and Aiden Lebischak, along with many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 12th, from 6-8 pm and Friday, March 13th, from 10:00-10:45 am at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, DE 19709. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 13, at St. Joseph Parish, Middletown, 371 E. Main St., Middletown, DE 19709. Burial will follow in Old Bohemia Cemetery, Warwick, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Townsend Fire Company, P.O. Box 194, Townsend, DE 19734.