Roll Call Tribute

Charles E. Burg, MD 

July 15, 1939 - May 11, 2025 

Dr. Charles E. Burg of Fredericksburg, Texas passed away on Sunday, May 11th, 2025 at the age of 85 years. Charles was born July 15, 1939 in Fredericksburg, TX to Simon J. and Anita Emily Hartmann.

He married Bonnie Reed on November 5, 2005.

Charles is survived by wife: Bonnie Burg, four children and their spouses: Renee and Daniel Sechrist of Fredericksburg, Kirk Burg of Austin, Keylee Burg of San Antonio, and Hutson Burg of Buda; three stepchildren Two grandchildren: Rebecca Lynn Sechrist of San Antonio and Abigail Faith Sechrist of College Station; Four siblings and their spouses: Fred and Bernice Burg of Stonewall, Arlene Weidenfeller of Fredericksburg, Linda and Grant Metzger of Granbury, Floyd and Karla Burg of Stonewall. Sister-in-law: Brenda Burg of Stonewall; Numerous nieces and nephews. 

Along with his parents, Charles Burg was preceded in death by a brother Henry J. Burg and a brother-in-law, Roger Weidenfeller.

Charles Burg was a proud 1957 graduate of St. Mary’s High School where he distinguished himself early in life through a remarkable blend of leadership, scholarship, and dedication to rural life. During his high school years, he was actively involved in Scouts and 4-H for four years, served all four years on Student Council, and was elected Class President his senior year. A natural leader and driven student, he was a member of the National Honor Society and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by his peers. He excelled in academics, earning 2nd place in bookkeeping at the CBEA meet and placing 3rd in the Chamber of Commerce essay contest. Though he graduated as the highest-ranking boy in his class, he was not officially named valedictorian due to missing over 52 days of school while showing livestock across Texas. An outstanding athlete, he played baseball and football during his junior and senior years and joined the track team his senior year. His passion for agriculture and livestock earned him numerous honors, including Grand Champion Steer at both the Temple and Waco stock shows, and showmanship titles at the Kerrville and Fort Worth stock shows. He was named Outstanding Boy in Rural Life his senior year and served as a representative at the 4-H Roundup. His early accomplishments reflected the work ethic, character, and commitment that defined the rest of his life.

After high school, Charles served in the Army Reserves while attending college. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University, then went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. During his time at UTMB, he was elected president of Phi Rho Sigma, the medical fraternity, where he was admired for his leadership and enthusiasm. Always connected to his hometown, Charles spent his summers driving the entire Peach Queen Court to and from parades across the Hill Country, something he did with pride, a smile, and a steady hand.

Charlie was actively involved in many clubs and organizations throughout his life. He had a special place in his heart for the Mission de Candelilla, where he provided general practice medical care on mission trips three times a year for over two decades. His dedication went beyond service—he personally purchased the land and building used for the mission’s medical trips in the village of San Miguel, Mexico. Charlie also gave back generously to his community by supporting the Boys Club, helping fund the Feller Scholarship Fund, and purchasing livestock exhibits at local stock shows to assist youth in 4-H and FFA who were facing medical hardships.

Charles was the last surviving member of the group of physicians who founded Hill Country Memorial Hospital in 1971, where he proudly served as Chief-of-Staff. He also dedicated many years as a member of the hospital’s Board of Directors, helping to guide the institution’s growth and commitment to quality care. In 1976, following a devastating earthquake in Guatemala, he volunteered to provide medical care and later returned on a mission trip to help fund and rebuild a local church.

Charlie was a proud member of the Bear Creek Shooting Club, earning the title of Schützenfest King in 1986, 1987, and helped team win overall in1988—a rare three-peat! He served as a director of the Gillespie County Fair for four decades, from 1950 to 1990, and was even the creative force behind the fair float known as the Showboat, which he helped design with moving parts.

As a dedicated community physician, Dr. Burg was the doctor on call for Fredericksburg High School football games for many years and provided free physicals to student-athletes and band members for over 15 years. He also served Gillespie County as Health Examiner and Inspector. In the early 2000s, he was recognized as the second-place finalist for Country Doctor of the Year—a fitting tribute to a lifetime of compassionate rural care. He was a proud co-owner of the Fredericksburg Clinic, P.A., where he practiced until retirement.

Alongside Sara Allerkamp, Charlie co-founded the Good Samaritan Center, where he volunteered several nights a week after office hours, offering care at no charge to those in need. In 2016, he received the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Community Achievement Award—a recognition well-earned by a man whose life was spent in selfless service to others.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 24th at 10:00 a.m. at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds exhibition hall with Curtis Allerkamp officiating.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home.