Sophie Berger, 94

Sophie Emmaline Berger, 94, died August 26, 2009 at Wheaton Community Hospital.

Sophie was born on a farm in Grant Country, east of Herman, on November 19, 1914 to William and Zena (DeVries) Volker. She was the oldest of six children: Ervin, Lloyd, Willard, Bernard and finally a little sister, Betty. She went to country school before attending high school in Herman, graduating in 1934.

On March 28, 1936, Sophie married Paul Henry Berger in Sisseton, South Dakota. Gladys Berger and Virgil Wawers were their attendants. They lived at the B.B. Ranch with Axel, Stan and Nina, and Eric. It was a very exciting time with many barn dances and rodeos. They were entertained by many famous musicians like Tiny Little and Lawrence Welk.

Paul and Sophie had five children: Jerry, Eugene (deceased), Dwaine, Eileen, and LeRoy. Sophie was very active in 4-H, church activities, and was a charter member of the Redpath Homemakers. When the children were grown and left home, they spent some winters in Texas, Florida and Arizona. Paul suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away in November of 1986. Sophie moved to Herman in January of 1987.

Sophie especially loved and enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending many hours sharing each other’s company. In her later years, Sophie’s special friend was John Morrow. Sophie and John have been together for many years. They would spend their winters in Florida and summers in Herman. They enjoyed playing cards and attended many whist parties.

Sophie is survived by four children, Jerry (Wanda) Berger of Wheaton, Dwaine (Judy) Berger of Carlos, Eileen (Chuck) Struckman of Moorhead, and LeRoy Berger of Alexandria; brothers, Bernard (Lenora) Volker of Herman and Lloyd Volker of Barrett; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Sophie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Berger; son, Eugene Berger; grandson, Scott Struckman; brothers, Ervin and Willard Volker; sister, Betty Allen; and daughter-in-law, Karen Berger.

Funeral services were held August 28 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman with Pastor Jennifer Rose officiating. Pallbearers were Sophie’s 11 grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers were the Redpath Homemakers. Interment was at Lakeside Cemetery, Herman.

The Ranney Funeral Home of Wheaton and Herman is in charge of arrangements. To sign the online guest book, go to www.ranneyfuneralhome.com.

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Tags: sophie berger, ranney funeral home, obituaries, berger, wheaton

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