Louis W. Burgher, M.D., Ph.D.

Louis W. Burgher, M.D., Ph.D.

October 31, 1944 – July 19, 2024

VISITATION: Wednesday, July 24th from 5:00pm to 7:30pm at the West Center Chapel.  FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, July 25th at 1:00pm, West Center Chapel.  Interment, Forest Lawn.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Relevant Church.

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

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Dr. Louis Burgher was born in Centerville, Iowa to Wendell and Dorothy Burgher.  The family then moved to McCook, Nebraska when he was eight years old. After high school, he went to UNL as a Regents Scholar.  Dr. Burgher then attended medical school at the University of Nebraska where he graduated with honors in 1970.  His residency was in Internal Medicine.  He went on to complete an NIH fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Pulmonary Medicine. Dr. Burgher was a lifelong learner and culminated his education with a PhD in Medical Science.  

He had a wide ranging and successful career including private practice physician, President and CEO of Clarkson Regional Health Services, President and CEO of Nebraska Health System, President and CEO of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Nationally recognized expert in Asbestos Litigation and finished his distinguished career as President of Clarkson College. He retired in 2019 at age 75.  He was a teacher, a mentor and a leader to countless individuals in the medical community here in Omaha Nebraska and beyond.  The world is a better place because of him.  His legacy reaches far and wide and will endure for years to come.  

Lou was a man of faith and loved the Lord.  His strong faith was a source of guidance, strength and comfort throughout his life and career.  He raised his family to love the Lord as well.  He carried Jeremiah 29:11 close to his heart and as a guidepost for his life and family.  

Lou’s family was everything to him.  Teaching the kids and then grandkids to snow ski was a source of pride for him. In his spare time he stayed busy traveling the world with his wife Susan, the love of his life.  He had a passion for cattle ranching, horses, hunting and fly fishing.  He was a voracious reader.  When Lou considered you a friend, it was for life.  This is evidenced by the 60 plus years of friendship he had with many and that endured until the day he passed.  His presence will be missed by all who knew him.  

He is survived by his loving wife Susan Burgher as well as his four children Tanya Bashford (Greg), Tara Free (Cory), Luke Burgher (Molly) and Rachel Thompson-Toland (Brad); thirteen grandchildren Johannah Largo (Nathaniel), Seth Bashford (Serenity), Samuel Bashford  (Ashley), Nathan Free (Taylor), Noah Free, Joshua Free (Hannah), Olivia Berck (Christian), Jonas Burgher, Stella Burgher, Carlie Thompson, Kenzie Thompson, Emily Toland and Cole Toland.  He also had the honor of eight great-grandchildren Joelle Largo, Brinley Bashford, Zayne Bashford, Hayes Bashford, Wesley Bashford, Lanaiah Bashford, Jamie Free, Emory Free.  He is also survived by his sister Patricia Gillespie who resides in Longmont Colorado as well as nephews Mark Hallberg (Laurie), Todd Hallberg (Andrea) and Peggy Hallberg. Brother in law Bill Stephens and nephew Mathew Stephens and niece Renee Haag (Ben). 

Lou and his family would like to thank the staff at Elk Ridge Memory Care.  There are too many to name but you were all a blessing to our family.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your care and compassion the last two years. 

 

32 Comments

  • DENNY SHEPHERD Posted July 20, 2024 6:54 pm

    Prayers and thoughts are with Susan and the families.

  • Clare and Bill Leach Posted July 20, 2024 8:24 pm

    Dear Susan, Rachel, Pat and all the family, Bill and I are so sad to hear of Lou’s passing. We still remember as if it were yesterday all our good times over the many years. Please know you all are in our hearts and prayers. We loved Lou very much. Words seem inadequate to express the depth of loss you are all experiencing. Love, Clare and Bill

  • James Speichinger Posted July 20, 2024 8:54 pm

    LOU WAS ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS FOR MANY YEARS. HE WAS BRILLIANT AND ONE OF THE MOST CARING PEOPLE I HAVE KNOWN. IT WAS A PRIVILEGE TO KNOW AND LOVE HIM
    SPICE

  • Steven Blacki Posted July 21, 2024 1:01 am

    I’ will miss Lou and I’m so sorry Susie

  • Kiley Maxwell-Ward Posted July 21, 2024 8:18 am

    Susan & family – so very sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this very heartbreaking time. Hold on to the years of memories of happy times shared – they will sustain you.

  • Sue Jewell Posted July 21, 2024 9:38 am

    So saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and classmate, Such a brilliant mind and kind heart! I’ll always remember his kindness in checking on my dad daily while he was in the hospital and all the good times we shared growing up in McCook. My sincere condolences and prayers for his family.

  • Donna Shonkwiler Posted July 21, 2024 10:23 am

    Dr Burgher was my pulmonary medical director for many years during my employment at Clarkson Hospital. He took an interest in each of us and

  • Donna Shonkwiler Posted July 21, 2024 10:30 am

    Dr Burgher was my pulmonary medical director at Clarkson Hospital for many years. He took a special interest in each of us with both his medical lectures as well as our social gatherings.
    So sorry for your loss, Dr Burgher will be missed.

  • Julie Yeshnowski Posted July 21, 2024 2:03 pm

    My condolences to Dr. Burgher’s family.

    He was my pulmonary medicine specialist back in the ‘80’s when he was with Lon Keiim, Tom Tinstman & Stephen Smith at IMA. He was a very kind professional who always took the time to ask about my family, explained meds and procedures very well.

    Rest in peace Dr. Burgher

  • Wes Petznick Posted July 22, 2024 7:55 am

    To Susan and family sorry to read that Lou has passed he was a great friend and neighbor.

  • Jeff Wilke Posted July 22, 2024 9:41 am

    Lou was a man who made other men want to be better men. His smile inspired smiles. His unwavering commitment to others is enviable. He walked me through the darkest days of my life. Guided me to resources necessary to heal. And stayed by my side till I could manage.God’s gift. Our loss. May light perpetual shine upon him.

  • Karen Mason Bellman Posted July 22, 2024 12:45 pm

    Love and prayers to the family. Even as a young child in McCook when Louis worked under our father Dr Roger Mason we as kids knew he was destined to be amazing! God bless you Dr Louis Burgher.

  • Denise Mason Chambers Posted July 22, 2024 12:45 pm

    Sending love and prayers to the family. We were blessed to have known Dr. Burgher nearly all his life, and I know my Dad (Dr. Roger D. Mason) was proud to have mentored him in his early years. Taught by the best of the best that a career in medicine was a privilege and an opportunity to help those in need, I will be forever grateful for his having made space for us at Clarkson so we could get my Dad back home to Omaha before he died. It’s where he wanted to be and where he wanted Mom to be so she would have the support of life-long friends and family. Susan, as you enter this season of loss, hold tight to God’s eternal promise and to the knowledge that grief is but a mirror reflection of everlasting love.

  • Susie Banta Posted July 22, 2024 2:06 pm

    The best job I ever had was at Clarkson with Lou Burgher as my medical director. He taught me so much and treated me and other RTs with so much respect. He was the best!

  • Jean Adair Posted July 22, 2024 2:24 pm

    I worked with Dr Burgher at Clarkson Hospital for many years. He was a great physician, and educator. I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to loose the people you love so much.
    Warmly

  • Dee Lowrey Posted July 22, 2024 4:33 pm

    Dr. Burgher was one of my favorite physicians.. I worked as an RN starting 1972– 15 of them in the ICU,. He was fantastic to work with. The Best of the Best. — so sorry for your ly

  • Gary D. Nelson sr. Posted July 22, 2024 5:18 pm

    R.I.P. Louie

  • Joseph Anderjaska Posted July 22, 2024 6:36 pm

    I am so sad to hear of Lou’s passing. He is in a better place and may God grant him eternal rest and may perpetual light shine upon him. I helped Lou and Wendell out with the cattle and farm back in the mid 1980’s. You would have never known that Lou held such prestigious and important jobs because he just seemed so common and would work right along side you…you could tell he really enjoyed it. Lou got the best of both of his parents, Dorothy was such a kind and loving soul and old Wendell was quite the character ! It was always an experience when I helped them and times I will never forget.
    Joe Anderjaska
    Hayes Center, Ne.

  • Pepper Morris Posted July 22, 2024 9:49 pm

    Liu and I were good friends in 1958/59 at McCook, Nebraska.. I enjoyed his humor and his love of his friends. I wanted to stay in touch with him but my health wouldn’t let me. He will be missed by so many of his friends.

  • Deb Ringblom Posted July 23, 2024 6:58 am

    Dear Susan, Tanya, Tara, Luke & Rachel (and Pat, too) ~
    Thankful but also so sad to hear this news… I haven’t seen or talked with him for more than 30 years, but have many fond memories of the “old days” in Omaha. My sympathy and prayers are with you all.

  • Lew Trowbridge Posted July 23, 2024 8:40 am

    Lou has been a dear friend for over 40 years. What I will remember most about him is is ability to use his varied experiences to bring people together in a common cause. One of the great ones.

  • T. Shepherd Posted July 23, 2024 9:10 am

    My deepest condolences to Dr. Burgher’s family & friends.

  • Greg LaHood Posted July 23, 2024 1:33 pm

    His professionalism and knowledge impressed me as a new RT .. A man ahead of his time. Rest in peace.

  • Deb Kozeny Posted July 23, 2024 2:12 pm

    I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Burgher starting in 1983 when I was hired as a RN in Pulmonary Rehab. He was a leader and great teacher and always had time to listen to concerns of staff to help improve working environments and address pt concerns. We started the yearly regional pulmonary conferences to share our knowledge gained in lung diseases. He developed a great team I will never forget!

  • JAY UPRIGHT Posted July 23, 2024 2:44 pm

    I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF RECEIVING A INVITATON FfROM LOUIS TO INTERVIEW FOR THE PRESDIDENT OF CLARKSON COLLEGE IN 1997. HIS RECOMMENDATION OF MY APPOINTMENT WAS ACCEPTED BY THE BOARD IN SEPTEMBER OF 1997. HIS CONTINUED SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE WAS AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE FOR ME AS WE MOVED THROUGH A REGORGANIZATION AND SUCCESSFUL TRANSISSTION WHICH WAS IMPROVED AND EXPANDED WITH HIS LEADERSHIP AS PRESIDENT AFTER I RETIRED. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GRATTEEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITIY HE PROVIDED FOR ME TO BECOME A PART OF THE CLARKSON TRADITION OF CARING THAT CONTINUES TODAY, WE WILL ALL MISS HIS PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES AS HE FINDS HIS OWN PEACE. JAY UPRIGHT CLARKSON COLLEGE PRESIDENT 1997-2007,

  • Jeff Sharp Posted July 24, 2024 7:11 am

    I’ll never forget when I was in 10th grade and Lou was a chaperone on a high school ski trip (Campus Life) and he was my roommate. Man was he a great skier! Always kind, very bright, and I’ve said many times that Lou Burgher had one of the best business minds of any physician I knew. He reminded me often that he got his start by selling life insurance on the side while getting through medical school. God Bless!

  • Laurie Yarrow Posted July 24, 2024 8:18 am

    Uncle Lou was such a special man to our family – his brother-in-law Bill, Laurie, his niece Renee and nephew Matt. He was a pillar of strength, insightful, quiet and kind. A favorite memory for our family was when he and Sue were visiting Loveland in the summer around the 4th of July. When we brought out a watermelon to cut, Lou said he would do this the Nebraska way. He asked for some newspaper which he placed around the patio and threw the watermelon to the ground. Watermelon pieces were everywhere! Later that evening after setting off a few fireworks, Lou looked around with a twinkle in his eye and asked what else we could blow up! It was so fun to see this mischievous side of Lou. This will always be a special memory for our family.

  • Tom Cotton Posted July 24, 2024 3:03 pm

    Louie and I were friends in McCook. We were also teammates in football and basketball. He was an outstanding person and an exceptional friend. I have many fond memories of our times together. My last contact with him was when they honored the 1960 McCook football team as the 50 year anniversary. My deepest sympathy to Louie’s family as I know there will be a big void. Tom Cotton

  • steve wilson Posted July 24, 2024 3:38 pm

    We just today learned of Lou’s home-going. It hit me pretty hard. I was proud to be a friend of Louie’s (his name back in college) for almost 60 years. my wife Susan and I were close to Louie down at UNL and during his med school years in Omaha. Though I decided late in my senior year to join the Navy to fly instead, of joining him in medical school, we remained in touch, and would try to get together when I visited Omaha. He drew people to him naturally. We had a great bond through our mutual faith. My favorite memory revolves around weekend nights we would spend playing monopoly really late into the night in the mortuary across from the Blackstone Hotel. He and Kathy lived in the top floor apartment there. It was “deathly” quiet and pretty spooky, but really fun! I loved Louie, and look forward to being with him again soon! See you there, Susan!

  • Jann Daniels Ackles Posted July 25, 2024 11:47 am

    Susan and family, I knew Lou as we attended McCook schools. He was a wonderful friend even though we only saw each other at class reunions when we could catch up. . He went on to do so much in his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • Jacqueline Hegarty Posted July 26, 2024 8:05 am

    Dr Burgher’s family – Our prayers to all of you, so enjoyed working with Dr. when he was at the Chamber.

  • Jed Johnston Posted July 30, 2024 9:43 am

    My Mother, Aileen, is in Elk Ridge Memory Care. Since the day she moved in a a year and a half ago whenever I would visit I would see Lou sitting in his recliner. He always had a smile and as the frequency of my visits to Mom increased, we’d exchange a hello, how are you, and a good bye. I loved his smile and pleasant nature. Sad to say that’s the extent of our relationship. I didn’t know of his remarkable background and accomplishments and service. But I did know he was a kind and nice man and I always looked forward to greeting him. I will miss that. So sorry for your loss. Just wanted you all to know that he was appreciated and made a difference. – Jed Johnston

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