Edward J. Berger

Edward J. Berger 61, 2002 Peacock Ave., Wausau, died Sunday, April 11, 2004 under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services at his home surrounded by his loving family. He courageously fought a ten-year battle with cancer and heart disease. He was born April 12, 1942 in Oelwein, Iowa, son of the late Paul and Sarah (Tenant) Berger. On June 26, 1965, he married Mary Ann Steger at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein. She survives. Ed & Mary Ann moved to Wausau in 1978 and established Berger Appliance Service. He served his customers until 1995, when illness forced his retirement. He was a member of the St. Anne Dart Ball League and enjoyed a night out with his buddies. He was also a member of the Wausau Wheelers Bicycle Club, which took several long distance bike tours. Another favorite pastime for Ed was skiing and he was a lift operator at Granite Peak for several years. His true passion was going up north fishing & was taught all about the sport from his good friend, Joe Stubinski. Ed served his country in the Army National Guard. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, Wausau; three sons, Marc (Diane) Berger, Bolingbrook, Ill., Eric Berger, Wausau, Jeff (Chrissy) Berger, North Aurora, Ill; one granddaughter, Alyssa Berger; one brother, Jim (Sue) Berger, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a sister, Patricia Peterman, Webster City, Iowa. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Ken Peterman; a nephew, Steve Peterman; uncle and aunt, Michael (Marion) Berger. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 15, 2004 at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Steven Brice and Deacon Jim Berger will preside. Burial will be Friday 10:00 a.m. in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Friends may call Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau and again Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish vigil service Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Mary Ann, Marc, Eric and Jeff would like to acknowledge the beautiful and loving care Ed received from Dr. Rezazadeh & his staff of nurses throughout his illness. He considered Dr. Raz as a "Brother". A very special thank you to the nurses and CNAs in the Oncology Unit at the Wausau Hospital for their compassionate care during Ed's final months. You know how special you were to him. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com