Larry George Buerger, 86, of Ironwood Township, passed away on June 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born on October 4th, 1939, in Ironwood to George and Ann (Arasim) Buerger. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1957. Following graduation, Larry enlisted with the United States Navy and served in Japan and Hawaii from 1957 to 1960.

He returned to Ironwood, where he was united in marriage on March 3rd, 1962, to his high school sweetheart, Louise Marie Talaska, at St. Michaels Catholic Church. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

Larry worked for the City of Ironwood, operating the water plant for more than 25 years. Larry and Louise also owned and operated Larry's Bait and Tackle Shop for many years with the help of their children.

Family summers were spent on Clearwater Lake in Watersmeet Township. The cherished memories there were countless.

After retirement, Larry and Louise spent 15 years at an RV park in Rockport, Texas, where they made many good friends and memories. More recently, they enjoyed the community of folks they spent time with at the Iron Nugget.

An avid outdoorsman, Larry loved spending days fishing and camping at the Carps in the Porcupine Mountains with his family and friends. He spent many years traveling to Wyoming and Colorado with his horses, family, and friends. He took great pride in passing down his love of hunting, fishing, and camping to his children and grandchildren, while also sharing the life lessons and values that guided him throughout his life. He will be very dearly missed.

Larry was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. He served there as an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Louise. His six children, Lori (Rod) Ammon, Larry (Rindy) Buerger, Linda (Jeff) Opperman, Lisa (Dan) McGuire, Lee (Tammi) Buerger, Lorne (Marisa) Buerger; 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ann Buerger, and a sister, June Buerger.

Visitation for Larry will take place on Friday, June 19th from 10 am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Father Brian Gerber will be officiating at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. A luncheon will be served in the church basement following his service. Burial will take place following the luncheon at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township.

The family wishes to relay our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the staff at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital for their overwhelming kindness and caring support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Hope Lodge.