Garr J. Burt

Madison , WI/Bellevue, NE - Garr Jacob Burt, age 95 passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at the HospiceCare Facility in Madison, Wisconsin.  He was born June 9, 1914, in his parents' home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the son of Alexander Garr and Olive (Heuser) Burt. He was educated in the Louisville Public schools and graduated from the University of Louisville in 1936.

He was married to Jean Bernice Boggs on September 3, 1939, at her mother's home in Elyria, Ohio. They lived in several states during their 47 years of marriage, including Illinois and Missouri.

Garr was a certified Quality Engineer and was employed by the Army in Inspection Testing and Quality Engineering. During his employment of over 34 years, he worked for 22 years at Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, Joliet, Illinois, and 12 years at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Independence, Missouri.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Bomb Disposal and Intelligence Officer in France and Italy. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Ribbon for aiding in the removal of more than 60 tons of ammunition from a burning train in 1944 in Marseille, France.

On a trip to Hawaii, he met Belva Sahs. They were married on October 1, 1988, by Pastor David deFreese at Immanual Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Nebraska. He lived in Bellevue from 1988 through 2008, when he relocated to Madison, Wisconsin.

Garr was baptized in the First Methodist Church in Wilmington, Illinois. Later, he joined the First Methodist Church in Independence, Missouri, and was there for 25 years. After moving to Bellevue, he became a member of Immanual Lutheran Church.

Garr was a life member of VFW Post #2280, Eagles #3912, The Sarpy County Historical Society, NARFE Chapter #144, and AARP.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: William Howard Burt and wife, Patricia, of Muskegon, Michigan; Robert Earl Burt and wife, Diana, of Madison, Wisconsin. Three grandchildren: Justin Garr Burt of Chicago, Illinois; Elizabeth Rose Burt of Muskegon, Michigan; Janet Allison Burt of Madison, Wisconsin. A stepson and wife: Myron Sahs and wife, Lynn, of Bellevue, Nebraska. Two stepdaughters and husbands: Delaine Hassebrook and husband, Dave, of Ashland, Nebraska; Sandra Cady and husband, Robert, of Yucaipa, California. Four step-grandchildren: Keith Sahs and wife, Sherri, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Darrin Sahs and wife, Shawna, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Angela Merriweather and husband, Mike, of Winchester, California; Stephanie Merrill and husband, Greg, of Yucaipa, California. Eight step-great grandchildren: Cody, Alysha, Branden, Ryan, Cara, and Kaylyn Sahs of Bellevue, Nebraska; Karinne and Tyler Merrill of Yucaipa, California.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Bernice (Boggs) Burt, a daughter, Beryl Jean Burt, and a son, Garr Lee Burt. His wife, Belva Sahs Burt. His brother, Peter William Burt. His two sisters: Bernice Parker (Burt) Cash, and Mattie Lee (Burt) Cash.

Funeral services will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jerry Amstutz officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial at a later date at Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Garr to your favorite charity.

The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staffs at Victoria Gardens (Bellevue, NE) and All Saints Memory Care (Madison, WI) for their compassionate care and assistance.