JUNE E. BERGER
June E. Berger, 89, of Engle, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, with Pastor J.P. Kessie officiating. Interment took place in the St. John Cemetery in St. John. Pallbearers were Mark Anders, Corey Anders, Jim Wilson, Alphonse Kristinik Jr., Gary McBride, Harvey Berckenhoff and Ronnie McBride. Named as honorary pallbearers were Donnie McBride, Carlene McBride, Vernon Berger and Jimmy Anders.
Born at Engle on June 30, 1935, she was the daughter of Erwin and Ellie (Balzer) Stavinoha. She graduated from Schulenburg High School. On Oct. 9, 1955, she married Wilbert “Whip” Berger in Schulenburg. She lived in Schulenburg and then Engle after her husband passed away. She was a member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.
June was blessed with the ability to sew. In her early years, she made dresses for her daughters which then led to prom dresses and western wear as the girls grew up. Later, she found her specialty in arts and crafts and quilts. She made many dolls, clowns, animals, infant blankets and quilts that she gave as gifts to her family.
Prior to her passing, she was making “pocket prayer quilts” and “prayer hearts,” and these were given to family and friends. Her love of sewing was shown by the beauty of each of her many pieces she made.
June loved her family dearly and was blessed to have them all home and around her in the month prior to her passing. She would always ask her grandchildren when they would be home next. These visits were something she cherished and always looked forward to and would mark it on her calendar.
“We are never prepared to lose someone we love, but with her beautiful gifts, photos and memories, these will help us through this difficult time,” her family writes. “She is and will be missed dearly by her family and friends.”
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly “Kim” and Mark Anders; son-in-law, Alphonse Kristinik Jr.; brother-in-law, Vernon Berger; grandchildren, Jamie Wilson and husband Jim, and Corey Anders; and great-granddaughter, Alice Jane Wilson.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Wilbert “Whip” Berger; daughter, Laurie Kristinik; parents, Erwin and Ellie Stavinoha; and sister, Georgia McBride.
Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.