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Betty M. Burger papers

 Collection
Identifier: IWA0792

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Scope and Contents

Betty Burger's papers are primarily concerned with the case of Simas Kudirka, a Lithuanian sailor who attempted to defect to the United States in 1970 and was sent to a Siberian labor camp, gaining his release after four years due to the efforts of Burger, Illinois Senator Robert Hanrahan, and Lithuanian-American groups. The papers include notes of phone conversations concerning the case, as well as a 1973 book about the case by Algis Ruksenas.

Dates

  • Creation: 1973-2009

Creator

Biographical or Historical Information

Betty M. Burger grew up in Knoxville, Iowa and married John H. Burger in 1937, the year she graduated from high school; they were the parents of four children.  She worked as a legal secretary in Knoxville and in Fairfield, Iowa and was active in the Republican Party. From 1967 to 1972 she was on the staff of Congressman Fred Schwengel (R-Iowa), followed by two years on the staff of Congressman Robert Hanrahan (R-Illinois). She then joined Iowa Senator Charles Grassley's staff, serving as chief caseworker for thirty-two years.

Extent

2.50 linear inches

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Congressional caseworker from 1967 until 2007.

Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
eng

Repository Details

Part of the Iowa Women's Archives Repository

Contact:
100 Main Library
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City IA 52242 IaU
319-335-5068
319-335-5900 (Fax)