Jo Burger

Jo Lynn Burger, of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2014, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 61 years, three months and twenty two days. Jo was born January 3, 1953, in Great Bend, Kansas. She was the daughter of Faye L. and LaVerna Maxine (Turner) Wenger. Jo was raised in Pawnee, Oklahoma and moved to California for a short time with her parents. They later returned during her high school years to Pawnee where she completed her education. During high school Jo worked at the local drug store in the fountain area. Jo was united in marriage to Jerry Burger on June 11, 1968. They established their home in Blackburn where she raised her three children Jerry, Mike and Leigh. Jo worked for the Cleveland Schools as a janitor for several years. Jo was recruited and began working for the City of Cleveland as an EMT for the ambulance service and later joined the fire department. Jo worked hard as a firefighter and eventually in March of 1997 was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief. Jo continued to work hard and serve the Cleveland Community for many years and was later promoted to Fire Chief. During her tenure as fire chief, Jo was the first woman in Oklahoma to hold that position. She was also one of only three women in the United States to hold the position as Fire Chief. Chief Jo Burger loved the aspect of being a firefighter. She was always there to help anyone and took her job seriously as well as with great pride. Jo stood up for what she believed and never faltered from her beliefs. Jo had many qualifications and titles other than being a fire chief. She was instructor and student for many classes pertaining to fire safety, incident command, advanced life support as well as vehicle extrication process. Jo has undoubtedly saved many lives and homes over the years as a result of her on going dedication and training. Jo worked for over 22 years for the City of Cleveland in many capacities when she completed her career. Outside of her accomplishments and work history, Jo did enjoy going fishing, making roses out of copper, gardening as well as watching her dogs chase squirrels. Jo loved to be around people and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. Survivors are her three children Jerry Burger and his wife Wendy of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Mike Burger and his wife Shelly of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Leigh Brownell of Cleveland, Oklahoma; two brothers Ira Wenger of Texas, Bobby Wenger of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; one sister Carol Dunegan of Kimball, Nebraska; seven grandchildren Kalie, Michelle, Hayden, Megan, Austin, Payton, Tyler as well as a multitude of family, friends and collegues that will mourn her passing. In addtion to her parents Jo was preceded in death by her brother Jim Wenger and sister Georgia Gaines.