George Berger, 93

Surrounded by family and friends George passed peacefully to the Lord on Jan. 30, 2013. George lived a very active and independent lifestyle until a very recent heart problem.

George was born and raised south of Mandan, N.D., to George and Margaret Berger on June 10, 1919. George is one of and the last of 14 brothers and sisters (a good Catholic family). George played and worked hard on his family’s farm. In 1943, due to excellent timing on his part, George had the good fortune to meet Frances Hoffman at a local weekend Grange dance. Romance ensued, and George and Frances tied the knot that fall and had an enduring 63-year marriage until Frances passed away in 2006.

George followed the construction trades from the early days, moving Frances and their quickly expanding family from their home in North Dakota to new work opportunities in New York, South Dakota, Minnesota, back to North Dakota and on to Montana. Despite all the hard work and overtime and moving, George and Frances somehow found time to produce and raise six children (it’s that Catholic thing again). George maintained long-term friendships with many people from the construction days.

Retiring in 1984 at the age of 65, George and Frances purchased a home and moved to Hayden. George made sure he knew all of his neighbors for blocks around. He was very social and very well-known at the grocery stores, bank and garage sale circuit. With his farmer instincts, George grew a prized vegetable garden every year. Weeds and birds would not dare to enter his precious garden. George shared vegetables with his family and the neighborhood for several months of each year.

George was also very proud of his cooking skills, especially his fondness for making German sausage from a very old family recipe. This has become a shared family ritual that will continue on.

After his retirement, George and Frances had plenty of time to become devoted grandparents. The grandchildren became a huge focus in their lives and provided many wonderful memories for all.

George was particularly proud of his German and North Dakota heritage. If a stranger had any reason to have a conversation with George, they would know in a few minutes where he was from, where he lived and probably his knee replacement surgery. He wasn’t shy.

George is going to be missed greatly by his family and many very special friends. There is much gratitude from the Berger family to the New Beginnings Church in Rathdrum and to the fine management and staff at Sylvan Place in Hayden. We will have some great and treasured stories to share, cry and laugh about because of George Berger.

George is survived by his children, Linda Carter (Paul) Urbana of Ohio, Gloria Staskivige (Bob) Bovey of Minnesota, Gary Berger (Lois) of Rathdrum, Debbie Berger of Rathdrum, Rick Berger (Kathy) of Liberty Lake, Wash., Scott Berger (Connie) of Athol; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today, Feb. 2, 2013, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E Hayden Ave., Hayden. Memorial gifts can be made to Hospice of North Idaho and The American Cancer Society.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit George’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.