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John Berger Obituary

photoBergerJohn2.JPG" JOHN MICHAEL BERGER
February 28, 1933 ~ April 25, 2017

John Michael Berger was born to Mike and Leona Berger in Dunlap, Iowa, on February 28, 1933, and passed away from complications of a fall in Vancouver, Washington, on April 25, 2017. After graduating from Dunlap High School, he worked on a ranch for a few months, then joined the Army, where he served in the Korean War.
John was a gentle, caring man that made a difference in so many lives with the work he did, his church work, and his volunteer work. John began his career in the USDA-Forest Service as a Mensurationist, after graduating from Iowa State in Forestry. He had a natural gift for working with people, and while working full time, pursued additional degrees from Portland State and Lewis and Clark College in the psychology/counseling fields, and became the first mental health counselor in the Forest Service, where he worked with employees throughout the Pacific Northwest Region and Experiment Station.
He was a true renaissance man, with his many interests that included travel and getting to know people of other cultures, classical music, working with wood, watching wildlife, and he was an avid fan of the Portland Trailblazers. John had a deep faith and church work was very important to him. He served as an Evangelist in the Community of Christ, as well as District President of the Pacific Northwest Region. He served on the boards of Share House and Serendipity Academy, and was President of the Greater Vancouver Interfaith Association. He was a member of the Lakeshore Athletic Club and the American Legion.
John leaves behind his wife, Sandy Berger; sister, Maylow Phillips; son, David Berger; daughter, Jan Hunter (Stuart); stepson, Barry Fergerson (Jen); step-daughter, Krista Fergerson; and step-daughters from a prior marriage, Linda Grounds, Karen Soesbe (Ken), Janice Grounds (Neco), and Pam Grounds; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his cat, Buddy. His sister, Ruth Ristvedt; his son, Shane Berger; and granddaughter, Laura Green, preceded him in death.
A celebration of John's life will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., at the Church of Christ, 11105 NW Lakeshore, in Vancouver. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in John's name to the Marfan Foundation, 22 Manhasset Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050.
Please sign his guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on May 28, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Sincere condolences on your loss. May fond memories and loving words comfort your family at this difficult time. Isaiah 57:15 - T.R.

May 31, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of your loss,Sandy. We have nown you both through various chuch events and always enjoyed when you would visit the South Ridge congregation.
May your fond memories give you comfort.
Bob and Myrna Snead

May 29, 2017

Our thoughts and love are with you, Sandy

Ray & Cathy Steiger

May 28, 2017

A wonderful man. I was fortunate to know both John and his wife for several years. My deep heart felt sympathy to his family for their loss.

Mary Shepard

May 28, 2017

May the God of all comfort strengthen John Berger's family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalm 116:15

May 27, 2017

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

May 26, 2017

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Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Church of Christ

11105 N.W. Lakeshore, Vancouver, OR

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