Laverne Duwayne Berger, 87, of Edna, Texas, died in automobile accident Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016.
He was born in La Crosse on Jan. 17, 1929. He is survived by his wife, Helen; a daughter, Hope Juno (Mike Ballmer) of Beloit; a son, Bruce Berger of Beloit; a son, Scott Berger of Mazomanie, Wis.; a stepdaughter, Christina Porter; a stepson, Robert Schwantes; numerous cousins, including John Hanson (Kari) of Westby; his grandchildren, Randy Berger (Becky), Samantha Juno, Kaitlin Juno, Travis Berger and Lauren Berger; his step-granddaughters, Vicki and Nina Martinez; and and great-grandson Kolton-Berger.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marcella J. Berger (Becker); his parents, John M. and Ella T. Berger of Westby; a sister, Thelma J. Berger of Westby; and a brother, Jordahl Berger of Coon Valley.
Laverne was a Korean War veteran, having honorably served his nation in the U.S. Army from 1950–1953. After returning from Germany, Laverne lived in Alaska for a short time, where he worked as a commercial fisherman. He then returned to his roots in the Coulee Region, where he began dairy and tobacco farming just outside of Westby. Laverne then relocated to Beloit, where he started his family. He worked for Chrysler Corporation for 26 years and retired in 1992. Upon retirement, he moved to Norwalk, where he opened and operated the UF DA Inn in Wilton until 2004. He then moved to Edna, Texas, where he lived until his death.
A celebration of life will be at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby on Saturday, Nov. 12. A memorial service will be 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon in the church basement. The family would like to extend a warm welcome to all who knew Laverne.
LaVerne was a wonderful father, friend and person. He will be greatly missed by all.
