Joanne Emma Burg, age 78, of Mount Gretna, died on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Cornwall Manor.

Joanne was born on June 18, 1947 to the late Elroy and Gerda Burg. Joanne was baptized on August 3, 1947 and confirmed 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 May 1969 and the University of Alabama Medical Center Physician Assistant Program after 2 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 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, November 11, 2025 at 3 PM 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, PO Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033-0852.

Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.  The family welcomes your memories and messages in our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com