Ralph Burger

Born in Berlin, Germany, February 17, 1933 , Wolfgang Julius Burger , at age 6 immigrated to Wyoming with his parents fleeing the Holocaust. As naturalized citizens, the family changed their name to Burger and he became known by the American version of his name Ralph . The family ran a small neighborhood grocery store on S. Jackson St. And lived in the back of the store. Ralph's first job was helping in the store , doing the snow shoveling , hedge cutting and grass trimming.

Ralph attended Jefferson school,Casper high school and Casper college, which was in the same building. He enjoyed camping with his best pals, swimming and acting in plays. He attended Colorado university in Boulder majoring in theater arts. He served two years in the US Army stationed in France as an ambulance driver. After his service, he attended the academy of dramatic arts in New York City seriously pursuing an acting career. Eventually, he got a job at the Lincoln Arts Center as the concessions manager for Philharmonic Hall, settling in as a New Yorker for the next 35 years. He met and married Mary Ann Leonard who died very young after only 14 years together. Ralph visited his family every summer in Wyoming organizing outings, especially with his niece Christy and his nephew Jeff.

In 1996, Ralph moved back to Casper to help take care of his aging mother and had his second act here. He was active at the senior center serving on the board during their expansion. He loved taking classes at Casper college especially those of Dr. Franklin. He met and became engaged to Mary Ann Phillips, traveling and enjoying Wyoming.

For the last 3 1/2 years Ralph resided at Meadow Wind assisted living where he had many friends and participated in activities. Ralph passed away on December 30th, at Meadow Wind, and will be interred at Highland Cemetery.

Ralph is survived by his fiancé, Mary Ann Phillips, his sister Dorothy Bullard, nephew Jeff Bullard, niece Christy, their spouses and children, and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Natrona County Senior Center, Wyoming PBS, or your own favorite charity would please the family.