Reinhard Donald Burg

Reinhard “Reiny” Burg, age 79, entered eternal rest on May 12, 2026, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Mankato. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Peter. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00, with interment and a reception following the Mass.

Reiny was born on September 23, 1946, in Breslau, Germany, in the aftermath of a world at war. At just nine months old, he made the journey across the ocean with his mother, Frieda, who arrived in America as a German war bride to American soldier Donald Burg. Together, they would put down roots and build a family life outside of St. Peter.

As the first born and eldest son, Reiny grew into responsibility early, becoming a protector, caretaker, and a steady hand for a house full of fourteen younger brothers and sisters. In his youth he loved playing with his siblings, cousins, and friends along the Ottawa Road. 

Whether it was driving Frieda wherever she needed to go, fixing what was broken around the house, tending the garden, or making sure the home stayed safe and cared for- especially after the untimely death of his father- Reiny quietly became the backbone of the homestead in his adult years. In the community, he was a longtime member of the Red Men Club, where he enjoyed playing pool and socializing with friends.

As the Burg family expanded greatly, Reiny also became a beloved uncle, a very cherished part of all of the celebrations (including weddings, graduations, first communions, birthdays, holidays, and baby arrivals) of his many, many nieces and nephews. He was always there. And how dearly everyone looked forward to his homemade anise candy every holiday season- it simply wasn’t Christmas at Grandma’s without it. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

In his final years, Hillcrest became his home. He quickly made several friends and enjoyed participating in all the festivities and field trips. His faith was also important to him; he rarely missed a weekly mass there. He was a favorite of staff and residents alike.

Reiny was preceded in death by brothers Douglas and David, brother-in-law Greg Stier, nephew Tyler Glynn, and parents Donald and Frieda. He is survived by siblings; Ben (Jill), Christine (Christine Evanoff), Sylvia Stier, Sheilah (Dave Spiess), Deborah Ferden (Kollen), Roxanne McGuire (Pat), Jeffrey, Carol Glass (Tracy), Gregory, Robert, Theresa Benson, and Stacy.

A very sincere thank-you to sister Sheilah (and Dave) for the many hours spent with Reiny brightening his days at Hillcrest with visits, outings and special occasions. It meant a lot to him.