Ryan Berger, 52 Dickinson, died on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Sanford Medical Center, Bismarck with family by his side after a courageous year and half battle with cancer. Ryan’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Ryan Lee Berger was born on January 2nd, 1973 in Dickinson to William and Pauline (Dukart) Berger. He was the third New Year’s baby that year at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Ryan attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and graduated from Trinity High School in 1991. He furthered his education at the North Dakota State College of Science in the welding program- a skill he carried with him throughout his life. He used this skill working for numerous companies.
Ryan married Nicole Stroh on May 17th, 2003 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. They lived in Mandan where they welcomed their miracle daughter, Brooklyn, the next year. Upon returning to Dickinson to be closer to family, Ryan worked for Steffes before he began at Montana-Dakota Utilities in 2012. Ryan’s work ethic was evident in his promotion as a natural gas department foreman and later as the supervisor. He lived out MDU’s mission of “In the community to serve” in his every day work. He fostered special relationships with his co-workers who became some of his closest friends.
From his earliest years, Ryan enjoyed spending time at the Berger family farm in Taylor where he led many hunting excursions with friends and family. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, and working on projects in the garage. Ryan was an avid NASCAR, Minnesota Twins, and Minnesota Vikings fan.
Ryan always offered a helping hand when needed and went the extra mile in his work. His greatest joy was spending time with his daughter and son-in-law, Brooklyn and Caleb. Ryan was a member of St. Wenceslaus Parish. He carried a deep faith, especially in his suffering, and inspired each person he encountered with his perseverance. He was especially close to the Blessed Mother in praying the Rosary daily. Though his time on earth was cut short, we are comforted in knowing that he lived a beautiful and virtuous life.
Ryan is survived by his wife of 21 years, Nicole of Dickinson; daughter, Brooklyn (Caleb) Hansen of Bismarck; father and mother in-law, Ron and Jackie Schlinger of Mandan; brothers, Rod Berger of Florida and Russ Berger of Dickinson; sister, Rhonda (Pat) Maher of Dickinson; sister-in-law, Tina (Scott) Wieser of Mandan; sister-in-law, Shirlene Shippen of Billings; nephews and nieces, Nathan (KayCee), Thayne (Kelsie) and Jayden (Catty) Maher; Justin (Megan) Berger, Jen (Joe) Bagley, Sierra (Brady) Maxon; as well as 10 great nephews and nieces, numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and the dear Hansen family. And of course his beloved dog, Poppy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pauline Berger; father-in-law, Dwayne Stroh; grandparents Philip and Josephine Berger and Philip and Margaret Dukart; uncle, Ray Dukart; aunt, Irene Decker; cousin, Tom Weinberger; and four infant children (Melanie, Isaiah, Samuel, and Carmelitta).
The family extends a sincere thank you to Ryan’s team of doctors, Dr. Kurnali, Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Archuletta, and Dr. Link, as well as all of his nurses for taking great care of him. Additionally, gratitude for the numerous clergy and religious for the time they spent with Ryan. In lieu of flowers, Ryan’s family suggests donations to the Ryan Berger Memorial fund at Bravera Bank.
