Paul Marcus Burgett, M.D., FACS, 57, of Waterloo, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Paul was born on Sept. 28, 1967, in Jamestown, N.D., to Richard Charles and Jean Carol (Ritter) Burgett who both taught in Litchville, N.D. He graduated at the top of his class from Jamestown High School in 1985. Paul married Heather Renee Hoffman on Feb. 21, 1998, in Iola.
Paul attended MidAmerica Nazarene (College) University, graduating with honors in 1989. He began his medical education at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City. Upon his father’s death in 1991, he transferred his studies to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine (and Health Sciences) to be closer to family, graduating in 1993.
Dr. Burgett’s lifelong love of taking intricate things apart and putting them back together influenced his decision to pursue a medical career in general surgery. He matched with the KU School of Medicine – Wichita General Surgery Residency program, where he graduated in 1998. Upon graduation from residency, Dr. Burgett accepted a position with Cedar Valley Medical Specialists General Surgery in Waterloo, Iowa. His career as a board-certified general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons spanned 27 years, where he served as a general trauma surgeon and preceptor for Medical and Advanced Practice Provider students in Waterloo, Grundy, and Waverly, Iowa.
He also served in medical missions with Hospitals of Hope in Liberia, Africa, in 2010 and over the last six years with the Missions Outreach Program of Prairie Lakes Church in Canilla, Guatemala.
He is preceded in death by his father; paternal grandmother, Sarah Frances Duwe, and maternal grandparents, Julius and Edna Ritter.
Paul is survived by his three sons, Frederick Richard, Oliver George and Sherman Julius Burgett; their mother, Heather (Hoffman) Burgett; his mother, Jean Carol Burgett, all of Waterloo; uncles, Gary (Patricia) Ritter of Bismark, N.D., Jim (Paulette) Ritter of Jamestown, N.D., Steve (Rita) Ritter of Bismark, N.D.; cousins, Charlotte (Scott) Reuppel of Bismark, N.D., Aaron (Melanie) Ritter and Christopher Ritter of Jamestown, N.D., Brian (Kimberly ) and Scott (Alisha) Ritter of Bismark, N.D.; half-brother, Russell Paul (Melinda) Ruliffson of Harwood, N.D., and their daughters, Reilee (Clint) Dahl of Wheatland, N.D. and Rachel Ruliffson of West Fargo, N.D.
He was also a beloved son-in-law to Harold (Jill) Hoffman of Gas, and Martha (Larry) Walsh of Iola; sister-in-law, Tammy (John) Prather and their daughters, Addison Jean and Briley Jo Prather of Iola, and Sarah (Dean) Hoffman and daughters, Elizabeth, Madelyn, and Jayce of Eudora; brother-in-law, Ryan (Sarah) Hoffman and daughters, Evelyn and Eleanor Hoffman of Forsythe, Mo.
Dr. Burgett leaves behind many beloved friends at Candeo Church, Cedar Heights Baptist Church, Prairie Lakes Church, in the medical community, along with many dear colleagues and friends across the globe.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Service is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Prairie Lakes Church, 1907 Viking Rd, Cedar Falls.
A private family inurnment will take place in Jamestown, N.D.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa – Dr. Paul M. Burgett, M.D., FACS Memorial Fund that has been established in honor of Dr. Burgett’s enduring commitment to learning and service.
Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.
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