Joanne Emma Burg, 78, of Mount Gretna, died on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at Cornwall Manor.
Joanne was born on June 18, 1947, to the late Elroy and Gerda Burg. Joanne was baptized on Aug. 3, 1947, and confirmed on March 26, 1961, in the Lutheran faith. She was born in Breckenridge, MN, and grew up on the eastern prairie of North Dakota.
Joanne graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in May 1969 and from the University of Alabama Medical Center Physician Assistant Program after two years of intense study in 1973.
Joanne went on to become a research assistant at Stanford University, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery/Cardiac Transplantation. For 10 years, she worked on the advancement of Cardiac and Lung Transplantation. In 1983, she accepted a position as a physician assistant and a heart transplant founding coordinator at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, with the first heart transplant performed in February 1984. The program has now completed more than 600 transplants and is recognized around the world.
Joanne will be remembered by her steadfastness in faith, her quiet and warm compassion, and her humbleness.
Funeral service will be held at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 308 Petersburg Road, Lititz, PA 17543, on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at 3 p.m., with Rev. Christopher Seifferlein. Interment immediately following in the church’s Memorial Garden.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, see above address, or the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Heart & Vascular Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033-0852.
Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
