Dorothy Burg Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

OBITUARY Dorothy Lee (Dotty) Speer Burg, 73, passed away peacefully January 11, 2012 surrounded by family at home in Osakis, MN. She was born on September 18, 1938 to Robert and Irene (Tuchek) Speer in Winterset, Iowa of Madison County. Her early childhood years were spent in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In 1950, her family moved to North Oaks, MN where her father trained field trial champion dogs and hunting dogs. She was active in the Girl Scouts and attained the highest honor, the Curved Bar. She graduated from Mounds View High School, New Brighton, MN, in 1956. Dotty was a certified Red Cross swimming instructor and lifeguard. She set her sights on becoming an elementary school teacher and graduated from the University of Minnesota with an education degree. With her brother, David, she assembled a Sailfish sailboat and they enjoyed many hours of sailing together. Dorothy married Richard John Burg and together they raised two children, Michael Scott and Kathleen Mary. They lived in Minneapolis a few years where Dotty began her teaching career. After they moved to Moline, IL, Dotty taught school and completed her Master of Education degree, summa cum laude. She taught remedial reading as one of her specialties. When the family moved back to Edina, MN, she ran a successful pre-school and then resumed teaching in Bloomington until her retirement. Dotty was a talented pianist. She enjoyed needlework, interior decorating and watching all sports, especially her children and grandchildren's sports. Her love of reading and learning continued throughout her life. She was known for her great culinary skills and cookie baking, and made every celebration a special event. Upon retirement to their lake home in Osakis, MN, Dotty stayed active renovating and decorating their home. Dotty was a dealer in the Antiques Osakis shop for a few years and enjoyed assisting customers. Preceding Dotty in death were her parents, Robert and Irene Speer and brother, David Speer. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of fifty one years, Richard (Dick) Burg, son Michael (Anita) Burg and daughter Kathleen (Brad) Begley, five grandchildren-Kaia, Natalie and Martin Burg and Jack and Michael Begley all from Edina, MN, her sister Donna Speer Nalewaja of Osakis, MN and Fargo, ND and sister-in-law Donna Noble Speer of Blencoe, IA. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial 11:00AM Tuesday, January 17, 2012, St. Thomas the Apostle Chapel, 2900 W. 44th St., Mpls., MN 55410, parking lower level, Chapel entrance NE corner. Private Interment. Memorials preferred to the Special Olympics MN. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net