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In memory of

Rev. George John Burza

Burien, WA

November 3, 1951 - September 7, 2022

Nov 3, 1951 - Sep 7, 2022

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George John Burza Jr., 70, of Burien WA, passed away on September 7, 2022.

George was born on November 3rd, 1951 to George Sr. and Irene Burza in Alhambra, CA. After he graduated from Temple City High School, Temple City, CA in 1969, he went on to study at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, CA. Married to his first wife, Pam LaMere, he became one of the youngest city planners for LA County Regional Planning from 1974-1981. George and Pam had two children, Amber and Autumn.

The first of two significant milestones George made came in 1981 when he decided a change was needed from city planning. Feeling the call, George resolved to change careers to become a Lutheran Pastor. He moved across the country to begin his schooling, obtaining his Master of Divinity at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

The second major milestone in George's life happened in 1983 when he met the love of his life, Nancy Elling. Knowing this was true love, they got engaged within two weeks of meeting each other and were married on June 16th, 1984 in San Diego, CA. George began his ministry in Las Vegas, NV, then on to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, ID, and finally moved to Burien, WA to become the pastor for Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. George and Nancy have two children, Bekah and Drew.

One of George’s pastimes included coaching track and cross country, a sport he excelled at in high school. In 2008 he earned the title of Washington State Cross Country Coach of the Year coaching for Seattle Lutheran High School.

George retired in 2016 and spent his time working on cars, a life-long passion, perfecting his front lawn, and being a supportive, doting father to his four children, and a devoted husband to Nancy.

George was a beloved husband, father, mentor, coach, Pastor, and friend to many.

George was predeceased by his mother, father, and sister. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his four children, Amber, Autumn, Bekah, Drew, and his granddaughter Sage.

Services will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church on February 25th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be designated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Memorials can be made online at www.fredhutch.org/memorial or mailed to Fred Hutch, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Mail Stop J5-200 Seattle, WA 98109. Please make sure to include George’s name when making the donation.