Ronald Berger

Ronald Berger, 81, of Mandan, ND passed away December 24, 2024, at Sanford Health in Bismarck. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan. Burial will follow in Mandan Union Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the Mandan Eagles.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, January 15, followed by a parish rosary and prayer service at Weigel Funeral Home.

Ron was born at the Mandan Hospital to Adam Peter Berger and Clara Ann Berger on Flag Day, June 14,1943. He completed the 8th grade at Catholic School in Fallon, ND and Oak Coulee #10, a one-room schoolhouse.

Rony had 1 brother, Raymond Berger (Red Ray) and 3 sisters, Marlene Fleck (Edward), Edna Fleck (Florian) and Brenda Backsen (Jerris/Whitey)

He farmed and ranched his entire life southwest of St. Anthony where he grew up. He received a heart transplant at the University of Minnesota in 2011 which gave him a second chance at life.

Ron enjoyed hunting, traveling and driving around town or out in the country. He was an avid collector of International Toy Tractors throwing a few John Deere in the mix just to add some color. His favorite place to socialize was the Lonesome Dove, where he loved to play bingo, listen to music and dance. He also enjoyed time at the Mandan Eagles and Moose Club where he was a member of both organizations. Ron was always up for traveling with his buddies or his sister Edna who never had to ask him twice. He enjoyed trips to Mexico, the Grand Canyon, many cruises including Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Australia and a trip to New York City with a cruise up the east coast.

Ron is survived by his sisters, Marlene Fleck, Maple Grove, Edna Fleck, Mandan, and brother-in-law Whitey Backsen, New Salem; nephews: Terry Fleck (Jenny), Clint Berger (Dawn), Troy Fleck, David Fleck, Randy Berger (Jamie) and Dusty Backsen (Mindy); nieces, Rhonda Jennings (Steve), Robyn Olson (Jonathan), Tammy Washburn (Brian), Kathy Berger, Bridget Gerhardt (Nathan), Sydney Backsen (Mitch) and Ashley Backsen (Brad), 17 great nieces and nephews, 6 great-great nieces and nephews, and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Berger; nephew, Danial Fleck; brother-in-law, Edward Fleck, mother, Clara Berger; father, Adam Berger; sister, Brenda Backsen and brother-in-law, Florian Fleck.

The family would like to thank the team of doctors and staff from Fairview Hospital at the University of Minnesota for their years of care following his heart transplant, the care givers from Caring Edge and the medical staff at Sanford Medical Center for the care in his final days.