Florence Berger, 96, formerly of Hebron, died on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Benedictine Living Center, Dickinson. Florence’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dickinson, with Msgr. Thomas Richter as celebrant. Interment will follow at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Hebron. Visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service in Dickinson, with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m., led by Deacon Leonard Krebs.
Florence Schaaf was born in rural Glen Ullin to Mathias and Florentine (Emter) Schaaf. She was the youngest daughter of eight children and was raised and educated in the Glen Ullin area, where she developed deep roots.
Florence was united in marriage to Joseph Berger on June 12, 1950, in a double ceremony with Joseph’s twin sister, Josephine, and Andrew Kuntz. Florence and Joseph had seven children: Joey, James, Bill, Laura, Val, Bob, and Charles. They held various jobs in Montana and North Dakota before settling in rural Richardton in 1962, where they farmed and operated a dairy until retiring in 2004. While on the farm, Florence grew a large garden, raised chickens, milked cows, baked, and cooked amazing meals for her family.
Florence also took pleasure in attending rodeos with her children and grandchildren. She was especially proud to compete in the Soup Cook-off, where she and Lorine Diede won first prize for their Taco Soup. After retiring to Dickinson, she cherished spending time with friends, playing cards, Bingo, and going out to eat. She also found delight in tending to her flowers, reading, playing pinochle, and yodeling-a talent she loved to share with family and friends. “Cook Days” with her daughters and grandchildren became treasured traditions that she always looked forward to.
Florence was especially devoted to her Catholic faith. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family was beyond blessed to have the opportunity to cherish and love her and is so grateful for the longevity of her life. In Florence’s words: “So goes life.”
Florence is survived by her children: Joey (René) Berger of Belfield; Bill Berger, Laura (Troy) McConnell, and Val (Kevin) Frey, all of Dickinson; and Bob (Danel) Berger of Richardton. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Bev Berger; sisters-in-law, Florence Schaaf and Leona Schaaf; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Berger, on February 18, 2006; her infant son, Charles Berger; son, Jim Berger; grandson, DJ Berger; daughter-in-law, Ruth Berger; her parents; and all her siblings.
