Joel Cameron Burgett, 60, Lincoln, Nebraska entered heaven on Friday, May 29, after persevering 9 years with Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease. Born March 13, 1955 to Keith and Patricia Burgett in Des Moines, Iowa.
Survived by his wife June “Marlys” Burgett (Pope) of 38 years, son Seth Chapman Burgett, mother Patricia Burgett (Oakland, Iowa), father and wife Keith and Marsha Burgett (Council Bluffs, Iowa), sister and husband Pam and Mike Conry (Griswold, Iowa), father-in-law Eugene Pope (Ft. Myers Beach, FL), brother-in-law and wife Mike and Donna Pope (Cape Coral, FL), and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Graduated from Oakland High School, Oakland, Iowa 1973. B.A. in Communications and Visual Arts, UC-San Diego 1983. Supervisor for: Campus Operations, Lincoln Berean Church; Christian Heritage Residential Group Homes for teens; Carol Wright Sales in Nebraska. In California he worked with developmentally disabled adults. Joel was an exceptional athlete in high school lettering in multiple sports and led his football team as a quarterback.
He loved fishing and hunting with his dad, son and friends. Joel’s life changed radically when he found Jesus, growing to know Him through reading the Bible and building a community of friends wherever he lived. Joel loved and encouraged anyone struggling in life, sharing the hope Jesus gave him. One of his greatest joys was leading a Bible study with Marlys for 25 years.
He loved celebrating people, making his friends laugh and always felt free to be himself. He was grateful for his life. His eyes shined. He always smiled, reminding those around him, “Everything is going to be alright.” And now, for Joel, everything truly is.
Memorial Service: 1:00 pm Monday, June 1, Lincoln Berean Church, 6400 South 70th, Lincoln, NE with Pastor Bryan Clark officiating. Dessert reception following service to greet family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Lincoln Berean Church Women’s Ministries, The Loft at Sumner Place, or AseraCare Hospice.
No visitation/Cremation.