Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Jean Marie Berger

January 1, 1948 – January 30, 2013

Jean Marie Berger, 65, of St. Cloud passed away on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at her home with family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services celebrating her life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1420 29th Avenue North, St. Cloud) with visitation beginning at 12 Noon. Bishop Tom Walsh will officiate. Burial will be private at a later date.

Jean was born on January 1, 1948 in Mankato, Minnesota to Donald and Edna (Isakson) Nitzkowski. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1966 and was united in marriage to Donald Berger on December 16, 1967 in Jessenland, Minnesota. They moved to St. Cloud in 1973, and after raising their five children, Jean was a paraprofessional at Washington and Roosevelt Preschools. After retirement, Jean continued to volunteer with the preschool classes at Roosevelt and was fondly known as “Grandma Jean.” Jean was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club, Central MN Noon Optimist Club and the PTA.

Jean enjoyed gardening, walking, volunteering and nature. She was a wildlife advocate.

She is survived by her husband Don of St. Cloud; children, Chris (Pete) Knutson of Sartell, Mike (Holly) of Andover, Bob (Kim) of Avon, Bill (Anne) of Minnetonka, John of St. Cloud; 13 grandchildren; and siblings, Nancy Burger of Mankato, Don (Ilene) Nitzkowski of Woodbury and Tom (Julie) Nitzkowski of Salt Lake City, Utah.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Norb Burger.

A special thank you to the staffs of St. Croix Hospice, Health Partners Clinic, CentraCare and the University of Minnesota-Fairview.

Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society and the Optimist International Foundation.


Guestbook

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We are reminded over and over by the passing of our loved ones how presious and short our time is on this earth. I knew Jean while attending Lincoln Jr. High and Ice Skating with her while living in Mankato. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Gil

So sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.

I am very saddened to here this news. Jean was a gem who always brightened my day. I could always tell that Don had a special place in his heart for Jean. May God grant you his peace at this time of your loss Don.

I can only hope to be as good an Optimist as Jean and thought of as highly. She was an angel in life and can be no less now. Heartfelt thanks to her and best wishes for her family!

so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Chris! you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

We will always remember Jean for her kind gentle ways, her smiles, and her deep love of children. We will truly miss her involvement in our club. Our thoughts are with Don and the family.

What a wonderful and kind women. She was an inspiration to whoever she met. My thoughts and prayers are with you all

Jean was someone who just put you instantly at ease. Always kind and welcoming with a smile and a quick sense of humor. Don and Jean were always so sweet to eachother. They have been a great role model to many. Jean will be greatly missed. Many prayers to Don and Jean’s family.

I never saw Jean without a smile and a kind, optimistic and thoughtful word for me. I never heard her complain once, about anything, and for this, I think she could be such a model. I know her family will miss her terribly and they are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jean is one of the most caring and considerate people I have ever known. Those memories will endure and will, no doubt, from time-to-time, cause me to be a better person. Peace to you Don, and the rest of Jean’s family and Friends.

Jean has been a special friend to both of us through our Optimist club meetings and events. She was very “warm and caring”. She will be missed. May the Holy Spirit surround Don and all her family now and in the days and weeks to come.

We have be blessed beyond words for the priveledge of knowing Jean. She will be missed greatly. We send prayers of comfort and peace for Don and family.

Services

Schedule Details

Jean Marie Berger, 65, of St. Cloud passed away on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at her home with family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services celebrating her life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1420 29th Avenue North, St. Cloud) with visitation beginning at 12 Noon. Bishop Tom Walsh will officiate. Burial will be private at a later date.