Walter R. Berger, 87, formerly of Richardton, died Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton, with Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB as the celebrant. Inurnment will take place at the Pioneer Cemetery, south of Taylor. Visitation will be on Monday the 19th, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the church, with a rosary at 9:30 a.m.
Walter R. Berger was born February 23, 1927 at Dickinson, the son of Ray and Susan (Schloesser) Berger. He was raised on the family farm, helping his parents with the farming until he was 21 years old.
He was united in marriage to Mavis Jesperson on May 10, 1948, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton. Throughout his life he had worked as a transport driver, beer distribution, Coors Brewery, and also owning Berger Grocery in Taylor. Walter also served his community as the Mayor of Taylor.
Walter belonged to the Knights of Columbus in Richardton, and the Senior Citizens. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, working with wood, making Christmas decorations for the children and grandchildren, and was a wonderful gardener. Walter truly loved helping with things at the Sacred Heart Monastery and the Assumption Abbey.
Walter is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mavis; their four children, Linda Berger, Bahrain, Audrey (George) Heiney, Broomfield, Colo., Terry (Kathy) Berger, Broomfield, Colo., and Carol (James) Menke, Northglenn, Colo.; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Johanna Berger, Lee Jesperson, Norman (Bonnie) Jesperson, and Geraldine (Lawrence) Schilla; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Janet Ferrel; his parents; brother, Eugene Berger; and sister, Donna Praus.
The Berger family wishes to extend a special thank you to Eileen Berger for the dedication and spiritual support she has endowed on Walter over the years. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Assumption Abbey or to the Sacred Heart Monastery.
