Doris Berger

Doris L. Berger of Wheaton, Minnesota a four-time survivor of cancer, passed away peacefully with her family at her bedside at the NC Little Hospice in Edina, Minnesota at age 85. She was born Doris Lucille Gauger the youngest of 5 children to Emil Gauger and Margaret Newbrough Gauger on May 30, 1920 in Wheaton, Minnesota. Doris was raised on her parents Monson Township farm with her 3 brothers Lawrence, Russell and Howard, and sister Evelyn. All who preceded her in death. She often spoke fondly of her Grandmother Newbrough who came to live with the family when Doris was a small child. She grieved her passing all her life. After graduating from Wheaton High School in 1937, she attended Normal Teachers School. Upon graduation Doris taught in the rural school system for 4 years. She shared many colorful stories about her experience as a country schoolteacher. She met Roy W. Berger who was 8 years her senior, at a dance when she was 19 years old. Since Roy made it clear that he would not date a teenager, she quickly became 20 years old. After dating for 3 years, Roy and Doris married on March 31, 1942. They jointly ventured into farming in Redpath township where they raised 4 children: Karen, Linda, Steve and Jeannie all who survive her in death. After retiring from farming in 1972, Roy and Doris continued to live for 20 years on their farm. Together they shared a passion for reading, gardening and feeding the wildlife. Doris also dearly loved to fish and Roy would tag along. Vacations in northern Minnesota were usually planned in the autumn-which was Doriss favorite time of year. They shared many fond memories during this time of their lives. In 1992, when Roys health became fragile, they moved to a house on Cottonwood Avenue in Wheaton. Doris quickly adjusted to living in town . Roy continued to garden and mow the yard, and Doris developed friends that would carry her through difficult times after Roy passed away in 1998. In January of 2006, Doris, who met illness with courage, made a decision to leave her community of 85 years to be with family during her final weeks. During this time she had an opportunity to see and celebrate life to the very end. Doris was a very unique, intelligent woman who touched so many people in a special way. She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members and friends throughout the community. But Doris would want to be remembered by one of her final statements at the NC Little Hospice. The most important thing is love. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society.