George V. Burger, 71, a writer on wildlife management and conservation who guided the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation for more than 20 years, died Tuesday in his Elgin home. Born in Woodstock, Mr. Burger became general manager of the East Dundee-based wildlife foundation when McGraw died in 1964, two years after both men founded the not-for-profit organization. During Mr. Burger’s tenure, the foundation grew from employing about a dozen people to more than 40 and its budget increased to several million dollars annually. “He was an amazing man,” said Stan Koenig, the foundation’s executive director, who succeeded Mr. Burger in 1988. “His knowledge of wildlife fisheries and management was boundless.” Mr. Burger remained with the foundation, as director of research, until his death. He graduated summa cum laude from Beloit College in Wisconsin and received a master’s degree from the University of California. He also received a doctorate in wildlife management from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Burger wrote more than 100 technical and popular articles and one book on wildlife management and conservation. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Elgin and served 20 years on the Kane County Regional Planning Commission and on other state and local boards and task forces. Survivors include his wife, Jeannine; three daughters, Suzanne Campbell, Christine Rice and Nancy Smith; and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin.
