Robert Buerger

Robert P. (Bob) Buerger, age 94, died peacefully on January 27, 2018, with his two daughters at his side. He was born April 30, 1923, in Shawnee, OK, to the late Rev. and Mrs. Edgar Buerger. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Eleanor (Ellie) Gilchrist Buerger, and by his sister, Lois Morehouse. He is survived by two daughters, Paula Novaez of Houston, TX, and Cindy Warner (Berger) of Ocala; five grandchildren, Gil Novaez (Melinda) of Houston, Whitney Henry (John) of Tampa, Becca Jellis (Cody) of Ocala, Charisa Beebe (J.T.) of Houston, and Dorea Novaez of Houston. He is also survived by eight precious great-grandchildren: Jeff, Scott and Emily Novaez; Harper, Grant, and Charlotte Henry; Ramsay Beebe; and Lainey Jellis; and by his siblings Edgar (Dottie) of Kennett Square, PA, and Dorothy Ploetz of West Valley, NY, and numerous loved in-laws, nieces and nephews.Bob was a lifelong devoted member of the Lutheran Church, and a member of St. John, Ocala, at the time of his death. He was a proud Navy veteran who served 24 years as a pilot, including during World War II, the Korean War, and Viet Nam. After retiring from the Navy, he went to work for Eastern Airlines, and he and Ellie began to travel the world together. His love of flying continued long after his retirement, making his last solo flight at age 86.Bob and Ellie made their home in Maitland for 28 years, where they were actively involved with civic and political organizations. They moved to Ocala in 2007 to be nearer family, and Bob moved into the Windsor in September 2016. His family cannot find adequate words to express their gratitude to the Windsor staff for loving him and for embracing us. We are also profoundly grateful to Hospice of Marion County for helping us navigate his final journey. Special thanks to Marylyn Ross for her companionship, to his bridge buddies for many hours of playing the game he so loved, and to the members of the St. John Bible study group and Bill Reese's Sunday school class for their spiritual fellowship.Visitation will be at St. John Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m., with service at 1:30 on January 31, 2018, and reception following at The Windsor. Burial will be in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL, at a later date.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Windsor of Ocala for the Associate Holiday Fund, Hospice of Marion County, or St. John Lutheran Church for its Hearing Enhancement System.

Robert Buerger

April 30, 1923 - January 27, 2018