It is with great sorrow that we hear the news of the passing of Wildlife Research Center Founder John Burgeson of Anoka, Minn.

John Burgeson of Anoka, Minn., Founder of Wildlife Research Center.

Burgeson, 66, passed away May 19, 2018, surrounded by family and friends.  A native of Arden Hills and later Andover, John was born February 17, 1952 to Marjorie and John “Jack” Burgeson. He graduated from Mounds View High School in 1970 and went on to study business at Anoka Ramsey College and later Augsburg University. Following his High School passion for wrestling he went on to be a national competitor 3 of his 4 years in college, and Captain of the team his senior year at Augsburg.

Graduating with a degree in business, John went on to establish Wildlife Research Center in 1983, which has grown to be a major national brand in the hunting industry. WRC was born out of his love of trapping and being in the great outdoors. His additional passions were his Church, family, hunting and fishing. John set the example of living the life that he wanted, while never forgetting his family and his faith along the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie and John C. Burgeson; aunts and uncles, Patty and Norm Pihaly, Ed and Vernelle Claseman.  Survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Rita; daughter, Suzie; son, Sam (Annie); grandchildren, Asher and Cole; brother, Brian (Marsha); sister, Sandra; step-mother, Jackie; nieces and nephews, Cori (Mark), Thomas, Marjorie, Walker and Molly.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 29th, at St Stephens Catholic Church, 525 Jackson Street, Anoka, with the family greeting friends starting one hour prior to mass. Private interment at Champlin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St Stephens or Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls Minnesota.