Burg, Michael 1848-1922

BURG, DONDLINGER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/27/2023 at 14:49:34

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel,
Friday, October 6, 1922

A PIONEER MERCHANT
Had Been In Business Here Forty-Eight Years.
WIDELY KNOWN IN NORTHWESTERN IOWA
M. Burg Conducted Store Here in the Early Days When Le Mars Was Yet a Hamlet.

M. Burg, a resident of Le Mars for the past fifty-two years and one of the leading merchants of the city during nearly all that period of time, died very suddenly at his residence, 335 Third Avenue S.E. on Monday afternoon about half past four o’clock.

Mr. Burg was about to take an automobile ride and was walking down the hall to the front door, when he suddenly collapsed. When members of the family rushed to his assistance, it was found that he was dead. Death was ascribed to heart failure. Mr. Burg’s health began to fail somewhat two or three years ago, but he was still able to attend to business although he took affairs more easily and did not confine himself as much to his desk as in former years. Just lately he had felt better and brighter than for some time and on Sunday attended church in the morning and took a long automobile drive in the afternoon. His death, without warning, came as great shock to his devoted wife, who was his constant companion, and to his family and many friends.

Mr. Burg, during his long residence, has been so intimately connected with the business and social life of the community that many people in his death felt a distinct sense of personal loss.

His name, with that of the other pioneers, is indissolubly linked with the early history of Le Mars and his friendships and acquaintanceship extended far beyond the confines of Plymouth county, his well earned reputation as a successful merchant and representative citizen being established throughout Northwestern Iowa for many years.

Born in Bissen, in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Europe, on August 11, 1848, he came with his parents two years later, to America. They settled with many of their countrymen near Tete des Morts, in Jackson county, Iowa, where they lived for eight years and then located at Caledonia, Minn., where Michael Burg grew up. When a youth he came to Le Mars seeking employment and advancement. This was in 1870.

Four years later in 1874, he formed a partnership with the late John Hentges, who was a brother-in-law of his. They embarked in the clothing and dry goods business. Their business was located in the building on Plymouth street now occupied by Edo Peters. They later bought the block in which the Hentges and Burg stores are now located.

In 1892 the partnership was dissolved, the Hentges taking over the clothing business and Mr. Burg the dry goods business. Mr. Burg’s sense assisted him in the store as they grew up and of late years, Frank J. Burg and Alfred Burg and Mr. Burg conducted the affairs of the firm.

In 1905 he organized with his elder sons, the firm of M. Burg and Sons, in St. Paul, Minn., as manufacturers and wholesalers of furniture which is now one of the largest firms of its kind in the northwest.

M. Burg was highly a respected citizen. By straight dealing, perseverance and integrity, he built up a flourishing mercantile concern in Le Mars and his sons are following in his footsteps here and at St. Paul.

Bought at Burg’s has been a synonym of quality for years and his customers, especially among the older generation were his friends. In the early days when money was a scarce article, he was never leery of extending credit, and many of the early settlers have remembered this and speak of the many good deeds he did in his quiet and unobtrusive manner. In social circles he was a most pleasant companion, kindly and hospitable, and possessed of forbearance and charity toward his fellowmen. He abstained from criticism of his neighbors, was unwilling to believe evil and never imputed ill to others. In his home life he was a loving and just husband and father, happy in the environment of his family and wrapped up in their happiness and welfare, a staunch friend and loyal neighbor.

Mr. Burg was united in marriage on February 10, 1880 with Miss Elizabeth Dondlinger, of Minnesota, Minn. To them were born eight children, who with their mother mourn his death. They are Gregory N. Berg, George P., Alexis J., and Mrs. Joseph N. Gehlen, of St. Paul, Minn.; Frank, J., Alfred D. and Celeste E. Burg, who reside at home. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Eugene Schwebach of Dell Rapids, S.D., and Mrs. M. Roeder of Granville, Iowa, and a large number of nephews and nieces.

M. Burg was a member of St. Joseph church and its kindred societies. He was a charter member of Trinity Council, Knights of Columbus, of this city.

The funeral was held yesterday morning at St. Joseph church and was largely attended by old friends and neighbors, many of whom came from a distance to pay honor to the memory of a good man. Six of his nephews acted as pall bearers.

Plymouth Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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