Burger, Leo E.

Leo E. Burger, 86, of 2135 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, in his home after a short illness. At Leo's request, private family services will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Mausoleum by the Rev. Fritz Melberg. There will be no visitation. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include a daughter, Margaret Hanna and husband Bill of Overland Park, Kan.; a daughter, Beverly Shaw of Centennial, Colo.; a son, James and wife Sharon of Cincinnati, Ohio; a sister, Mary Melton of Grand Junction, Colo.; six grandchildren, Amy Munson and husband Jason, Julie Hanna, Emily Torborg and husband Matt, Jonathan Burger, David Shaw and Katherine Beck and husband Brian; and three great-grandchildren, Corinne Torborg, James P. Torborg and Sawyer L. Munson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; his parents and four brothers.

Leo was born Feb. 16, 1921, the son of George and Ella Burger in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended Iowa City High School and the University of Iowa, graduating in 1942, with a degree in business and a major in accounting. Shortly after graduation he accepted employment in Cedar Rapids with McGladrey, Hansen Dunn & Co., a certified public accounting firm. However, within a few months, with World War II in progress, he decided to accept a commission to serve in the U.S. Navy. During most of his time in service he was assigned as a communications officer on covey duty in the Atlantic and Mediterranean fields of operations. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

After his military service he returned to the McGladrey firm, obtained his CPA certificate and was made a partner in 1948. He retired in 1974. Before retirement he served the firm in a number of positions: as a client service partner; firm wide coordinator of audit and accounting; regional administrator partner; and a member of the firm's management committee for a period of 15 years.

During his time as an active member of the firm and continuing for a few years after retirement, Leo was active in various professional organizations on both a state and national level. As a member of the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants, he served on a number of committees and was a member of the board of directors for a three-year period. He was elected to serve as president of the Society for one of those years. As a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants he served on a number of committees, including two senior committees, the committee on Auditing Procedure and the Accounting Principals Board. In 1973, Leo was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Iowa Board of Accounting. He served on the board for five years, including three years as chairman.

Leo greatly enjoyed his family and his chosen profession. He was very successful in combining both his busy professional life with his family life.

He will be dearly missed.

Online condolences may be sent to  under obituaries.

Memorials may be made in Leo's name to Community Health Free Clinic, 947 14th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, or the charity of your choice.

Published Oct. 22, 2011, in The Gazette