Iron Mountain- Eugene T. Berger “Gene”, 88, of Kingsford, Mich., passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on Friday, December 24, 2021, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, Iron Mountain, Mich.
He was born November 4, 1933, son of the late Carl and Eva (Dumas) Berger. Gene grew up in Kingsford and was a graduate of Kingsford High School, class of 1952. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War until his honorable discharge. Following his time in the military, Gene worked for the mill in Appleton, Wis., before moving back to Iron Mountain, Mich., where he worked for Berger’s Market, IGA, and Northside TV.
Gene was a member of the American Legion Post #50, Iron Mountain, and the VFW Post #3674, both for many years, and Chef De Gare of Voiture #659 of the 40/8. He loved going to camp, fishing, hunting, traveling to Standard Rock with his brothers, playing pool at the VFW where he was a league member, dancing, and was an avid Packer fan and cribbage player. Gene never missed a parade or a ski jump. He loved working on the floats and often times would have his grandchildren on them riding by his side. Gene flew on the Honor Flight on September 16, 2015. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include one son, Anthony (Missy) Berger, Kingsford, Mich.; one daughter, Lucinda Berger-Kasten, Iron Mountain, Mich.; two grandchildren, Cory (Cathy Lee Carne) Kasten and Michael (Brianna) Stebbins; four great-grandchildren, Haylee, Henry, Ella, and Oliver Kasten; one son-in-law, Kenneth Kasten, Florence, Wis.; granddaughter-in-law, Natalie Kasten; one sister-in-law, Ann Cayo; godson, William Berger; and by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by the mother of his children, LaVerne Berger- Maes; one son, Terry Berger; one daughter, Lynn Marie (Dan) Stebbins-Weaver; one grandson, Kenneth “Kenny” Kasten; five brothers, Bob, Norman, Clifford, Arnold Sr., Clarence, and two sisters, Helen, and Ethel.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 4, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, Mich. The American Legion Post #50, Iron Mountain, will provide military honors on Friday, February 4, 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain.
The family of Gene would like to express a special thank you to the staff of the Oscar G. Johnson Community Living Center for the care and compassion they showed Gene during his stay.
You may leave condolences or tribute for Gene’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Gene’s legacy of life.