PAUL JOSEPH BURGER, JR.
Paul Joseph Burger Jr. was born April 11, 1988, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The son of Paul and Linda Burger and brother to Laura, he passed away on December 18, 2016, as a result of cardiac arrest while playing pond hockey with friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Helen Burger of Franklin, Michigan, and his maternal grandparents, Edwin and Gertrude Knoblock of Port Austin, Michigan.

He graduated from Huron High School in 2006 where he played hockey, lacrosse and was co-captain of the River Rats' golf team. After high school he attended Michigan State University and in 2010 received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Economics and Policy.

Paul was very passionate about helping other people and twice, while in college, coordinated volunteers and traveled to New Orleans to help people rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. He also coordinated and led a trip to Queretaro, Mexico to help children with disabilities.

After college, Paul's passion to help others continued and he joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program, sharing time between the Edible Avalon program and Growing Hope in Ypsilanti, MI.

It was through these experiences that Paul developed an enthusiasm for organic gardening and sustainable agriculture. He enjoyed helping people improve their lives through organic gardening and access to healthy foods. It was this interest, and the help of two local residents, that inspired him to help create the Dixboro Farmers Market that continues to this day.

Paul also had an adventurous nature. He liked to travel and visited Greece, Italy and Spain, as well as numerous cities throughout the United States. One of his favorite trips was in the summer of 2015, when he hiked 1,400 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Paul is survived by his loving parents, Paul and Linda Burger of Ann Arbor, and his loving sister, Laura. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends and acquaintances.

Paul was very passionate about helping those in need, and knew that even the smallest gesture of kindness could have an impact and meaning for the recipient.