Joe Henry Burger

At the age of 91, Joe Burger passed away in the early morning on December 19, 2019. He was born in Billings, Missouri on July 14, 1928. He's survived by sister-in-law Ann Burger, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and even great-grandnieces and nephews. Joe came to Long Beach in 1953 and taught music in the elementary school programs. "Mr. B" received the veteran teacher award in recognition of his dedication to music education by the Southern California Schools Band and Orchestra Association. He was a charter member of St.Hedwig Catholic Church dating back to its opening in 1961. Joe was also a founding member of Arrowbear Music Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. Joe Burger was much more than a music teacher. He was a conductor of inspiration and a motivator of talent. He had the unique ability to educate and inspire his students. He was able to teach the fundamentals of music and unlock the passion for music in his students. In fact, many of his students have gone on to play professionally, including LA Philharmonic bass player Dennis Trembley and trombone maestro Jeff Reynolds. There are musicians all around the United States who have been influenced by Joe Burger. He was also a concert violinist. He came from a musical family. Everyone played an instrument; Joe's was the violin. Sister Beatrice was his first violin instructor at his elementary school and another nun taught him privately. With that heavenly start is it any wonder he became such an inspiration in so many people's lives? Joe was drafted into the army at the end of 1949 and served for two years. While stationed in Italy, he went to the Vatican and got to shake hands with Pope Pius XII. Joe started a chamber music group called "Burgerfest." They played at his mountain cabin in Running Springs on the weekends and inspired each other with classical music, laughs, and the occasional shot of Jack Daniels. Joe Burger enjoyed Notre Dame football, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and off-road four-wheel driving in his K-5 Blazer to the fear and delight of anybody that sat in the passenger seat. To quote a Facebook post from Craig Gibson: "Joe Burger was our friend, mentor, prankster, and a man of God."