STURGIS | Loren Wesley Burge, 93, Sturgis, died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at Sturgis Regional Senior Care.

Loren was born November 28, 1918, at Bixby, SD, to Ira and Georgia (Green) Burge. When Loren was seven years old, his family moved to Imogene, SD. He attended Beck School in Perkins County through the 8th grade. Loren worked for his father until he turned 21.

He married Hazel M. Capp on June 22, 1940. They bought his parents' farm at Imogene. Loren and Hazel had two children, Dwayne and Barbara. Loren fulfilled a dream when he also leased a much larger place on the Moreau River. He loved his ranch, riding on his cattle, and raising crops to feed his cattle.

Loren was drafted into the U. S. Army and served until December of 1945. They moved to Sturgis in 1961 where Loren worked for the State Highway Department for 21 years until his retirement in December of 1982. After his retirement, he spent his time on their house, lawn, and a Ford tractor, keeping them perfect until he was no longer able to do so. He entered the nursing home three years ago.

He and Hazel enjoyed snowmobiling and dancing for many years, as well as getting together with family and friends for meals and visiting. Loren also served on the Perkins County School Board for several years.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel, Sturgis; one son and his wife, Dwayne and Linda Burge, Sturgis; one daughter and her husband, Barbara and Kenny Yates, Sturgis; two grandsons, Matt (Darla) Burge, Sturgis, and Ryan Yates, Rapid City; and three great-grandchildren, Marlee, Jordan, and Hayden Burge, Sturgis.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Gladys Holtry, Neva Bolie, and Leona Mahar.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 18, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Inurnment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.

A memorial has been established to Multiple Sclerosis.