Burton J. “Burt” Zuege, 92, of Lafayette passed away at 5:30 am on Monday, May 1, 2017 at Aster Place in Lafayette.

He was born August 12, 1924 in Oshkosh, WI to the late Harold and Ruth (Seymour) Zuege and was raised in Ottawa, IL.

Burton served in the Army Air Corp during WWII.

Burt married the love of his life, Claudia Ludwick on June 17th, 1950, who survives.

Burton received his Bachelor degree from Knox College; he also completed some business courses at St. Joseph College and conducted banking seminars at Purdue University.

He started his career as a teacher and coach, then went to the American Shetland Pony Club where he served as a journalist, photographer and editor of their magazine. He eventually became Executive Secretary of the organization.  Burt then went to work for DeMeter, Inc.  He held many positions, including manager of the Lochiel Elevator.  He finished his career at Fowler State Bank in Fowler where he was Vice-President and Agriculture Loan Officer.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fowler, Moose International, Kiwanis, Exchange Club, member of the John Purdue Club (25 yr), American Legion, President of Fowler Library Board, once President of CDC in Monticello and honorary member of Purdue Reamer Club.

Burt was instrumental in starting two football programs; Oquauka High School in Illinois and Benton Central High School.  Burt continued his connection with Benton Central football through WIBN radio announcing color with Bill Overholser.

Burt enjoyed fishing, golf, cooking, reading and telling a good joke.   He enjoyed entertaining, and his friends and neighbors looked forward to his amazing holiday breakfasts.

Surviving along with his wife are a son, John (wife Corinne) Zuege of Crestwood, KY, three daughters, Gretchen (husband Mike) Smith of Rensselaer, Johanna (companion Ed Riley) Berry of Madison, CT and Martha Minier of West Lafayette. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Sam (wife Candice) Zuege, Mandy (husband Stace) Pickering, Josh Smith, Evan Berry, Brittany and Spencer Minier as well as five great grandchildren, Porter, Hayden, Jake, Ethan and Emily.

Burton was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Robert Zuege.

Friends will be received from 4:00 pm until the time of the celebration of life service held at 5:30 pm on Monday, May 15, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church at 501 E. 6th St Fowler, IN 47944 with Rev. Ann Williams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family’s request is to make memorial contributions in Burton’s name to Benton Community Foundation.