John Berger

John Berger, 89, of Billings, passed away at Living Legacy, early in the morning of Dec. 23, 2016, surrounded by his family.

John was born on Oct. 31, 1927, to John and Eliza Berger in Dagmar. He was the second to the youngest of 12 children, and grew up on the family homestead.

He served in the United States Air Force and was a proud vet of WWII. Following his time in the military, John worked in Port Angeles, Wash., at the saw mill. He then returned to Montana to be closer to his mother, and worked as a ranch hand until he retired. In 2007, John moved to Billings to be closer to his family. He resided at Rim Shadows, where Mary Dietrich was his personal caregiver for nine years. He moved to Lasting Legacy in March of this year.

John was quite a jokester and storyteller. He enjoyed vintage cars, old westerns and ghost stories. He also had a special fondness for animals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eliza Berger; his five brothers, Edmund Berger, Dave Berger, Pete Berger, Francis Berger and Joe Berger; and his six sisters, baby girl Berger, Grace Andersen, Alice Bloom, Rose Fischer, Lorraine Scott and Dorothy Stading. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at St. Bernard's Parish, 226 Wicks Lane. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at Calvary Cemetery in Lewistown.

Donations may be made in John's honor to Compassus Hospice Care, 2110 Overland Ave., Suite 111, Billings, MT 59102; or Help for Homeless Pets, 2910 Hanson Road, Billings, MT 59101.

Special thanks for all those at Living Legacy who gave John such loving care. We will miss you, Uncle John.