Rita M. Berger

Rita Mary Berger (Gilson) passed away on May 9, 2023, at the age of 93. Rita was born on February 20, 1930, to the late John Sr. and Mary Gilson. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Green Bay, Class of 1947. On May 12, 1948, she married Steve J. Berger at St. Louis Church in Dyckesville. He preceded her in death on December 8, 2009. Together they farmed the Berger family homestead for many years where they raised their 6 children. Rita also worked for a few years as a cook at Rock Falls Supper Club. She was a member of St. Louis Parish in Dyckesville her entire life and was involved with bake sales and funeral dinners. Rita will be notably remembered for her superb cooking and baking skills. She was a master at baking Belgian Pies, and nobody could match her soft Belgian Pie crust. Rita enjoyed her life on the farm and her family. She was an extremely hard worker who was always on the go and rarely sat down. Rita and Steve with the Dyckesville group enjoyed going to Orbie’s cabin in Dunbar to play cards. After retirement and selling the cows, she also enjoyed spending time and playing cards at their “cabin” in Wausaukee and visiting the casino now and then. 

Rita is survived by her children Mike (Dori) Berger, Luxemburg, Mary (Dale) Dart, Shawano, Stephen Berger and fiancé' (Linda), Manitowoc, Helen (Joe) Jacobs, New Franken, Molly Berger, Green Bay, Bill (Ellen) Berger, Cato; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special cat "Boots". 

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Gilson; husband, Steve Berger; one granddaughter; her in-laws, Jule and Alice Berger; sister and brother-in-law, Fran and Ralph Renier; sister and brother-in-law, Eunice and Orbie Bader; brother and sister-in-law, John Jr. and Elaine Gilson. She was further preceded in death by her husband’s siblings and their spouses, Ceil and Austin Allard, John and Doris Berger, Sylvia and Wendell DeBaker, Louise Gillis, Madeline and Marvin Malcore. 

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Unity Hospice for the nursing care they gave Rita. They also would like to thank Helping Hearts Assisted Living for providing excellent care for mom during her final hours of life. 

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:55 am Friday, May 19th at St. Louis Catholic Church, N8720 County Line Rd. in Dyckesville. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday at the church with Rev. Lukee officiating. Rita (and Steve) will be laid to rest in St Louis Cemetery in Dyckesville.