Sammy “Pete” Lee Burge, age 86 of Merrill, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2023. He was born on November 5, 1936 to the late Donnal and Vera (Brasher) Burge in Bruce, Calhoun County, Mississippi. Pete married the love of his life on May 19, 1962 at Mater Christi Church in North Riverside, Illinois. Pete was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in 1963. He worked at the Drake Hotel in the Chicago area as an electrician and after moving to Merrill in July of 1980, him and his wife Jan owned the Hub Inn up until 2016. Pete loved all sports and playing cards. Many cherished memories were made on the yearly trips him and Jan would go on with friends to places like the Dominican Republic, Caribbean, and Porta Rico to name a few. Pete also loved his family very much and loved hanging out with his children and grandchildren.

Pete is survived by his wife Jan Burge, children: Michael Scott Burge, David Allen (Julie) Burge, and Patrick Lee (Paula) Burge, grandchildren: Kaitlin, Keri, Dani, Samantha, Megan, and Kyle, great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Brystol, Kane, and Kol, and sister: Shirley (Tim) Rollings. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Denny (Diane) Burge, James (Rose) Burge, and Lynn (Skip) Hurley.

A prayer service will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 12:00 pm at Waid Funeral Home with Military Honors. A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 10:00 am until the time of service also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Association in memory of Pete. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.