Verlyn Joseph Berger, age 81, of Miles City passed away on Monday, March 18, 2019 in Sidney.
Verlyn was born to Matthew and Emelia (Renner) Berger on February 10, 1938 in Spirit Lake, Idaho. He joined his older sister Pauline. They were later joined by a younger brother, Robert. He was raised on a dairy farm in Richardton, North Dakota and began operating farm equipment early on. Later he graduated to heavy equipment and helped build many roads in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. On July 13, 1965 he married Betty Lou (Lacher) Berger. They were blessed with two sons, David Joseph and Dale Mathew. In the late 70’s he moved his family to Lambert, Montana where he worked on Missile Sites in Northern North Dakota and then started his own construction company and put in many miles of waterlines, dug basements and finished oil well sites. He worked a total of 50 years in the industry.
Verlyn enjoyed his family and friends. He was very proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. There was always laughter when he was around. He was an avid fisherman and thoroughly enjoyed his many fishing trips to Alaska and Lake Sakakawea. He loved to play cards, made wonderful Knoephla soup and was willing to help anyone in need. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Eagles and Moose Lodge.
Verlyn is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Betty Lou Berger of Miles City, MT; two sons: David Berger and grandson Cordel of New Boston, Michigan and Dale (Toni) and granddaughters Erica and Nicole of Belgrade, MT; and a sister Pauline (Wayne) Reeder of Spokane, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Emelia, his brother Bob and his mother and father-in-law Elsie and Joseph Lacher.
A Rosary and Vigil service will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home followed by family receiving friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Church, The Diabetes Foundation, or the Gallatin Valley Sharp Shooters, 1645 Nelson Rd. Bozeman, MT 59718 (where his granddaughters are members.)
Terri Fandrich says
Oh Betty, I am so very sorry. What a special man! I’ll miss his humor. Praying for loving and comforting arms wrapped around you all.
Michele Trimble says
Betty and family…I am so sorry to hear about Verlyn. He will be greatly missed. Praying for all of you at this difficult time.
Colette Butcher says
Betty, I am so sorry to hear about Verlyn. He was a such a nice man. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish all your wonderful memories.
Verlin Miller says
We are saddened to hear of Verlyn’s passing. We enjoyed his company at lunch once in awhile at Baker’s Cupboard. I appreciated the help in regards to my insulin pump – he helped out in a couple emergencies. Years ago Verlyn Berger and Verlin Miller were two patients at a diabetes appointment. How many times do we get two Verlin’s at one appt??!!
Betty and family – you have many years of wonderful memories. We are out of town for Verlin’s surgery so will be unable to attend. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
——Verlin and Bernadette Miller
V. Walters says
My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Verlyn. It can be very difficult and distressing to cope with the loss of a loved one. It has helped myself and others knowing that our dear loved ones now rest in the loving memory of our Grand Creator, Jehovah. ( Psalms 83:18-God’s name). May you find comfort in knowing that Jehovah hates death.( 1 Cor. 15:26). And promises to eliminate death forever and bring those sleeping in death back to life on a cleansed earth. ( John 17:3; Isaiah 25:7,8; Acts 24:15; Rev. 21:4,5; Psalms 37:10,11,29). I hope these few scriptures along with your own good and loving memories of Verlyn help to bring you comfort, peace and a hope. JW.ORG
Jim and Lavina Hall says
Sorry to hear about Verlyn, Betty. We won’t be able to make the services, but will keep you in our prayers.
Jim and Lavina Hall
Charlie and Margaret says
Betty and family, we are so sorry to hear about Verlyn. He was so easy to be around and we enjoyed visiting with him. He could talk about anything and had a great sense of humor. He always made us laugh. He will be missed. May God hold you and give you strength at this difficult time. May you be filled with wonderful memories of your lives together. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Rick Brink says
Betty, Dale and family, David,
Rick and I are so sorry to hear that Verlyn passed away. We always enjoyed visiting with him and enjoyed his stories and laughter. Please know we are thinking of all of you during this time of great sadness.
Rick and Kathy
Ryan Berger says
We are sad to hear of Verlyn’s passing, he was a great man and will be missed!
Cindy Scanlan says
Betty Lou and family, I was so sorry to hear of Verlyn’s passing. He was such a wonderful gentleman, always had a glint of humor in his eyes. May your memories wrap you in peace.
Bernard L Weisz & Mabel says
Dear Betty and Family So sorry for your loss he will be missed by many people at Weisz & Sons
Dennis Barnhardt says
Dear Betty and Family, so sorry to hear of Verlyn passing, We enjoyed his company, and humor. Prayers for good memories and blessed healing.. Dennis and Vicky Barnhardt.
Tammy Gjermundson Gilstad says
Betty and Family,
Ah, that smile! It brings to mind special memories of the time spent with with you and Verlyn in Lambert in my first two years of teaching. The visits, card games, laughter, great food – all are treasured memories. I regret that I am not able to attend the visitation or funeral though. I have school commitments Thursday evening and Friday for which I need to be here. I would love to see your boys and meet your grandchildren. May the peace and comfort of our Lord hold you close as you adjust to earthly life without Verlyn’s presence.
James L Arneson says
Betty and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Verlyn’s passing. May the great memories and God comfort you all during this time of loss and always.
Mary Luhr says
So sorry to hear of his passing!
Pat & Rhonda (Berger) Maher says
Betty Lou and family – we are so sorry to hear of Verlyn’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Verlyn was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed!
Arlene Corbin says
I’m so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. May God comfort you during this time
Kim stanton says
Dear family,
Sending you hugs and prayers for peace, comfort and strength today and in the coming days.
With sympathy,
Kim Stanton
DeAnn Nevins Hammer says
Betty, Dale, David, and families – I am so very sad for all of you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you have the opportunity over the next few days to be together as a family and celebrate Verlyn’s life. I remember so many moments with him…from building 4-H projects in his shop to watching him dig up dirt in heavy equipment, and laughing with my Dad over cards. Blessings, peace and hugs to each and everyone of you.
Harold & Kay Carda says
Betty, David & Dale & family, just heard tonight about Verlyn. So sorry for your loss. Our deepest Sympathies & Prayers.
Lee and Amber Richardson says
Betty and family, We are so sad to hear of Verlyn’s passing. We have many good memories of time spent you and Verlyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Myra Annalora says
Betty,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Tina Webb says
Miss Betty I was so saddened to hear his passing. How I enjoyed his stories over the years and yours. The way you two always got along. I’m so very thankful that I got to meet someone like you guys in my life. May he rest in peace and God bless you
Dion and Diane Ligon says
Betty, David, Dale, and families,
We are so sorry to hear of Verlyn’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Berger Tietz says
Uncle Squirrely will surely be missed by all that knew him. I find comfort that he is being reunited with his brothers and parents. May God grant you strength and peace as you grieve. Love to you all.
Harvey & Geri Baer says
Betty Lou: Our deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Verlyn.
Dawn Ann Beattie says
Gosh,
Betty, I am just noticing this. No doubt this has made the past year tough. May God give you strength to continue filling your days and brightening the world as I have known you to do in the past.
Tanya says
He was my father in law for over 25 years. I loved him so much and miss him.
I was married to David and is Cordel Mom. But yet no mention of me in the Obit. Condolences Betty Lou.
Joan Berger Rath says
So sorry for you an your families loss.i still think about him an miss him dearly.He was the best uncle anyone could ever have.a caring heart an soul for others. He was a wonderful person.Time has passed but missing him will be there along with the great memories..mine started the time he took me trick or treating.up into adult hood.when I was so sick an things were not looking good he was by my bedside an there for my husband an kids an to this day they are grateful to him an you for that.
Peggy Iversen Arnold says
Betty I’m so sorry about Verlyn. This is Peggy Iversen Sanders from Sidney, Mt. Lived in Lambert, Mt with you 4 .
Peggy Iversen Arnold says
Betty its me, Peggy Iversen Arnold from Sidney, Mt. I remember you a lot. You helped me so much in Lambert, Mt with my son Casey. I was married to Jim Sanders at that time.