Joyce Buerge

Joyce Buerge of Caro, age 85, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw. Joyce was born November 19, 1937 in Detroit, the daughter of the late Thomas & Gertrude (Townsend) Fleming. She graduated from Southwestern High School in Detroit as co-valedictorian with the class of 1956. Joyce went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in medical technology, graduating with Cum Laude honors from Michigan Technological University. In June 1960, she passed the ASCP national board exam and became a certified Medical Technologist. Joyce first worked at Dow Chemical in the toxicology department and after moving to Caro, worked for the Caro Regional Center as a Laboratory and Radiology Supervisor until her retirement in 1997. On February 2, 1963, Joyce married the love of her life, Thomas Edward Buerge at the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Midland. Together, they shared over fifty-nine wonderful years and countless memories. Joyce was a board-certified infection control practitioner, a charter member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority at Michigan Tech, and a dedicated member & elder at First Presbyterian Church in Caro. She was very involved with many organizations that included the founding of the Thumb Area Center for the Arts, a member of the Cass River Pet FriendZ for over twenty years, past committee chairman for Boy Scouts of America Troop 560, and was also involved in breeding and showing of Shetland Sheepdogs with support from her family. Above all else, Joyce's family meant the world to her and she will be missed dearly. Joyce leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband, Thomas; son, Richard Alan Buerge and wife, Tracey (Davidson) Buerge of Grand Blanc; grandsons, Joseph Thomas Buerge and Jonah Richard Buerge; sister-in-law Jane Johnson & husband Louis Johnson of Iron River; nieces and nephews, Jane & Dan Keranen of Ishpeming, Kirsten & Michael Kapusta of Iron River, and Stephen & Kate Johnson of Iron River; eleven great-nieces and great-nephews; and several close friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Caro with Nicholas Schmelter officiating. A committal service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Harbor Springs at a later date. Joyce's family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church in Caro or Cass River Pet Friendz. . Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Time: 7:00 pm End Time: 9:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Joyce's family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, December 15, 2022 Time: 11:00 am Caro First Presbyterian Church Address: 215 N. Almer St. Caro, Michigan 48723 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at the Caro First Presbyterian Church with Nicholas Schmelter officiating. Cemetery Information A committal service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Harbor Springs at a later date.