Rhoda Bertha Burger

Rhoda Bertha (Schultze) Burger, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at Sacred Heart Care Center, at the age of 103.

Rhoda was born on July 16, 1922, in Clare, Iowa, to Frederick and Bertha (Krueger) Schultze. She graduated from Clare High School and went on to pursue a nursing degree in Sioux City, Iowa, later completing graduate studies at the University of Minnesota.

On March 27, 1949, Rhoda was united in marriage to Edwin Burger at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work while farming and raising their five children, Margaret, Mark, Paul, Jeffrey, and Kathleen. They started their married life in Clay Center, Kansas, before settling in Austin in 1958. Rhoda worked as a nurse at St. Olaf Hospital until her retirement in 1984.

Rhoda poured her energy into the things she loved most. She was a faithful and active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Her hands were rarely idle – she filled Mason jars with bounty from her garden, cooked and baked for those she loved, and devoted countless hours to sewing and crocheting. She made quilts and blankets for her children and grandchildren and welcomed the great-grandbabies with one of their own. Through her church women's group, she extended this generosity to those in need. In quieter moments, Rhoda could be found working a puzzle or her daily crossword, approaching each with the same steady patience that defined her life.

Rhoda and Ed shared a deep love of travel and adventure. Over the years, they explored many places together, creating lasting memories and stories they loved to share with family. Their curiosity and enjoyment of discovering new places stayed with them, and they continued to travel often throughout their retirement years.

Rhoda is survived by her children, Margaret Fogelberg of Edina, Mark (Marian) Burger of Tucson, Arizona, Paul Burger of Austin, Jeffrey Burger of St. Paul, and Kathleen (Dennis) Kreatz of Red Lodge, Montana; grandchildren, Leah Fogelberg, Laura (Tyler) Lineburg, Douglas Burger, Amelia Burger, Molly Kreatz, Jacob (Lexi) Kreatz, Charissa (Ryan) Anderson, Savannah Wheeler, and Douglas (Gracie) Wheeler; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Olivia, Carter, Bennett, Ivonne, and Addison. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edwin; one brother; and one sister.

Rhoda was a woman of great faith, a loving and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed.

A funeral service for Rhoda will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Austin, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota. Memorials may be directed to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or donor’s choice. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.