Marianna Berger

A funeral Mass for Marianna Berger, 90, of Dickinson, will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson with Father Keith Streifel celebrating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation for Marianna will be 6:00 p.m. –  7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 5th at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary and vigil service being held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday morning from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Marianna passed away Saturday, March 28, 2015 at St. Benedict’s Health Center in Dickinson, ND. Marianna was born June 22, 1924, in Dickinson to Paul Klein and Philomena Kubischta, the second of seven children. When she was 14, her mother passed away and Marianna and her older sister, Kathryn, became the care givers for the other five children. On June 21, 1942, Marianna married Mike Berger in Salinas, California, while he was in the service. After his return to Dickinson from Africa and Italy, Mike began the watchmaker trade under the G.I. Bill. In 1949 he opened a jewelry store, Berger Jewelry, until 1960 when he purchased Dymon Jewelers, which he operated until his retirement. Mike and Marianna were blessed with five children: Sister Mary Jane Berger, OSB, from St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota; Sharon Marsden (Al) in Minot, North Dakota; Allen Berger (Jeannette) in Dickinson, North Dakota; Robert Berger (Gloria) in Dickinson, North Dakota; and Richard Berger (Julie) in Helena, Montana. Marianna could grow anything. Her vegetable gardens were enjoyed by many because she loved to give her produce away. Her flower gardens bloomed from early spring to late fall. They were admired by passers-by, and she would readily share perennials with anyone who asked. She taught her children and grandchildren the meaning of hard work and to be proud of what you have done. She was also admired for her baking and cooking. Many of her recipes have been passed down to her children and grandchildren. They remain as an important part of celebrations and family gatherings. Besides her love for the outdoors, she crocheted afghans for all her children and grandchildren; made doilies; and tried other needlecrafts that interested her. As a master seamstress, she sewed regularly for herself, children and grandchildren. Many seasons, the kids had new costumes for Halloween, stockings for Christmas, or new clothes for Easter. She loved being busy. Marianna is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Mike, her sister Kathryn and four brothers Anton, Frank, Valentine, and Joseph. She is survived by her sister Fern (Veronica) from Bismarck, North Dakota; her five children, eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be preferred to St. Benedict?s Health Care, Emmaus Unit.


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Burial Date: April 6, 2015
Church St. Joseph's Catholic Church