Burr, George Richard

George Richard Burr passed away at age 94 on Sunday, May 20, 2012, at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he lived for the last 14 years.

Richard was born at Sioux Rapids, Iowa, to Effie Thompson Burr and Roy Richard Burr on April 27, 1918. He graduated in 1936 from Sioux Rapids High School, where he was honored as a 76 year alum last year. He went to Morningside College and National Business Training School in Sioux City, Iowa, where he completed the General Motors Accounting Program. He then worked for a time for J.C. Penney Co., in Des Moines, Iowa. In Sioux Rapids, he owned the Burr Insurance Co. and later Burr's Clothing, a men's clothing and family shoe store.

Richard earned the rank of 1st Sergeant in the U.S. Army and proudly served 44 months of his four years of service overseas when drafted into World War II. His service in the Signal Corps was divided between Cheltenham, England and Paris, France. Richard was recognized with a number one marksman award in the European Theater. His trip to Europe was on the Queen Mary, but his trip home from the war was challenged by 26 storms at sea. He had the privilege a few years ago of visiting his former wartime room in Paris.

Richard was active in a variety of endeavors, including: many years as city clerk for Sioux Rapids; Buena Vista County Supervisor; President and Lobbyist of the Iowa State Association of Counties; and seven years on the Iowa Board of Mental health enhancing mental health services in Iowa. Richard earned the respect of colleagues and made many dear friends around the state.

Richard met Carol Held of Hinton, Iowa, at Morningside College and they were married on Jan. 1, 1941. They enjoyed 71 years together.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Michele (Allan) Mickelson of Madison, Wis., and grandson, Mark of Stoughton, Wis.; and daughter, Stephanie (John) Wagor of Cedar Rapids, grandson Richard, of Cedar Rapids, and granddaughter Suzanne of New York City.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at the Cottage Grove Place Health Center, the staff and members of St. Paul's Methodist Church and many other caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be given to the Employee Appreciation Fund of Cottage Grove Place Foundation, 2115 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402; or St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1340 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

Richard will be remembered as a creative, compassionate, generous man with a unique wit. His life touched many and was a blessing for which we give thanks.

Online condolences may be expressed at under obituaries.

Services being held in Cedar Rapids and Sioux Rapids will be posted online.

Published in The Gazette May 23, 2012.