Although it’s been years since she passed, I just came across this. I have not lived in my hometown of Muscatine for over a decade so I am not always up to date.

I’m terribly saddened to see this, and just felt the call to give my condolences anyways. I had the privilege of knowing Penny as my teacher and being able to see her as a parent. Her son’s were closer to my brother in age, but I got to see Penny as a pack leader when I was young and would tag along to boy scouts. Now as a mother myself I realize what I watched her do was out of love for her children, and a passion to help other children . She was always so much fun to be around at school, she put up with so many shenanigans and often entertained them as well. I knew walking into her classroom I was safe to be my awkward self, she would never shame me for not doing my work and never made feel like I wasn’t smart enough. She was a safe person to be around, and made many students comfortable in a world where we felt so stressed and scared as we prepared for high school. The world lost a great beacon of light the day she passed. May she be resting in God’s eternal glory, where we may someday see her again.

I know this is well passed her unfortunate death, but I have not given my condolences nor say goodbye. She was my favorite teacher by far and I wish I could go back to the times in her classroom. She really was a blessing to all, at least she was in my eyes.

I was lucky enough to have Penny as a teacher at Central. She was an awesome teacher and an even better person. Her class was always so enjoyable to go to as she kept everyone engaged constantly and truly did make learning history fun. I still always remember the few times I was able to see her after leaving Central. She was the one teacher I would make a special stop in to see, as I had such a great connection to her. I'm sure she's somewhere making somebody's day a lot better and brighter.

I’m so shocked to see Penny has passed on. My thoughts are with Jake and Nick and all Penny’s family. Penny was one of the most insightful and dedicated people I know. She applied those qualities tirelessly to equip children with the critical thinking skills they will need in life in her teaching. Penny was truly special and I hope you can take solace in your memories of her and the legacy she left.

Ms. Burger was one of the teacher's that kids loved. I remember when my daughter went on to highschool, and returned to Central Middle School to visit teachers Ms. Burger was one at the top of the list. She definitely touched many lives. Thank you Ms. Burger for impacting our children in a positive way!

My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

Nick and Nate,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful lady!

Penny and I were Cub Scout leaders for Nick's and my son Brandt's troop. We had NO experience in this, but plugged away at it! We weren't crazy about it, but knew that someone had to do it! I believe Penny did most of the work, as she was not teaching yet at the time, and I was. Penny came to Central Middle School shortly before I left. So I did get to teach with her for a bit.

A very special memory I have of Penny is that she sent me some pictures from a class play that Nick and Brandt were in that I could not attend. This was probably when they were in second or third grade. That was such a kind thing to do and made me cry at the time because I missed it. This had a big impact on me, as I still remember her kindness.

Many happy memories beyond the sadness, Nick and Nate.

Christy Johnson

(Brandt's Mom)

Although were not able to meet Penny in person, we know her through the stories of Steve and Marti Burger and their family. Tales of the love she shared with the family in Iowa made its way to Chicago and beyond. We pray for all of you at this very sad loss. Gayle Banakis

Greetings,

I have known Penny roughly 10 years. While working in this building I have served under her leadership on the technology committee, watched in admiration as she without hesitation answered the call to teach in the district’s budding G Squared program, and felt her passion in her day to day dealings with students teachers alike.

While helping in Penny’s homeroom, I noticed that her unconditional love for her students and her willingness to try new things with them was evident. For example, Penny started a new Friday afternoon program for students as a celebration for work done during the week. What impressed me about this program was not that is was a “reward” system, rather it is a program geared toward teaching students interaction, thinking, and vocational skills. Penny felt that her students needed these skills, and provided an opportunity to teach them through this time.

Penny was an advocate of technology in our district. Beginning with little computer knowledge of her own she became a fore-runner in making sure that all new technology that came to our building had a structured, thoughtful, and meaningful curriculum supporting it. When asked why she became so interested in technology Penny replied that she originally wasn’t. She just knew it was an important tool that students needed in the classroom that would benefit kids. Therefore, where other teachers would wait to get training she consistently stepped up and taught herself what she needed to be able to teach the new technology to her students.

Penny does what other teachers sometimes fall short in doing as they get farther along in their careers; adapt. What impressed me about Penny however, is the reason for her adaptations. While many teachers adapt simply to survive Penny adapted because she truly loved kids.

I could go on about Penny’s enthusiasm, sense of humor, and can-do attitude that she displayed on a daily basis, but I suppose that would only echo what everyone else already feels about her. Penny will be missed. She has inspired me to not only become a better teacher but also a better person.

Nate Rickard

Co-Worker

My thoughts and prayers to the family during their time of sorrow. My daughter had her for social studies this year at Central Middle School. She always spoke highly of Miss Burger and her heart was broken when she heard the news of her passing. She will be greatly missed by many of her students.

Two of my three kids had Penny as a teacher at Central and she was by far one of their most favorite teachers. Anyone who her as a teacher was a lucky student. Our condolences to the family!

Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow. May you find peace, comfort, and an abundance of loving memories as you continue to remember Penny.

I was lucky enough to work with Penny at CMS for the past 5 years. She was always working to find new ways to engage her students. Penny was trying something new with a puppet show these last couple of weeks and I know she was very excited to show the finished projects. Penny, you will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

I was one of Ms. Burgers students and let me just say she was and amazing person and I am sorry for ur loss let her live peacefully in Heven

My deepest sympathies for Pennys family. I worked at Central Middle for almost 29 years and was there when she started. She was such a character and a good buddy of mine. She was very dedicated to the students and staff at cms and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace my friend.

My deepest sympathies to Nick, Jake and all your family. Penny was a wonderful friend and a tremendous educator. She inspired me by her love for education and care for each child that crossed into her classroom. She touched so many students in a positive way and will be greatly missed.rgBb7

Im so sorry to hear about this i had her for my 6th and 7th social studies teacher and i gotta

say she was the best the most nicest most awesome teacher and person ever it will not be the same without her all my prayers go to her friends and family may you fly high and rest in piece.

Ms. Burger was an amazing teacher, she cared about her students, she was always there when they needed someone to talk too, she took half the year during homeroom to teach me how to knit, that was out thing that we did together and we were very close. She always inspired me to do great. She will be missed.

I was so lucky to have met Penny this last school year. She was an amazing teacher and was loved by many. She will be missed so much.

I wish to express my deepest sympathies to Penny’s family. I hope you can take solace in knowing in her life she had a positive impact on countless students and fellow teachers. The positive impact she had on her fellow teachers will continue to be passed on to countless more students. Penny will live on in all those that had the privilege of knowing her.

Ms.Burger was my social studies. not only that but she was my hometown teacher. she will be so so missed. i wish we could say goodbye to her 1 more time. i love you Mrs.Burger❤️

My deepest condolences to the family of Penny! She was my 8th grade history teacher. I was a very troubled child, but she never gave up on me, no matter how hard I was to deal with and that really meant the world to me. Such a positive and happy soul. She was truly an angel on earth. I’m glad I had the chance to meet someone so genuine.

My deepest sympathy to Penny's family in this tremendous time of loss. I taught with Penny at Central Middle School for seven years and she was so awesome at teaching. She was always the first to volunteer to do something and she had the greatest laugh. I will never forget Penny and how she always stuck up for what was best for students. Her passion for teaching will never be forgotten. The world will not be the same without Penny.

I had the opportunity to deal with Penny when my son was a student at Central. She always had a smile on her face and was happy to see the kids each day.

I had the wonderful privilege of working with Penny for six years at Central Middle School. She was a wonderful teacher who was always thinking of fun and creative ways to engage her students. I loved hearing her laugh as I walked down the hall and she had a contagious smile! I loved how hard she worked to connect with each student. She was always ready to help others and volunteered her own time to coordinate and organize different tasks for our team. I am so happy to have known her and my heart breaks with yours at her loss. I loved hearing her share her stories of her sons and how proud she was of them for their accomplishments! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!