Tera Lynae Berger

Tera Lynae Berger, age 51, of Maple Grove, Minnesota passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at her residence in Maple Grove.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Rev. Dan Gifford officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, rural Wheaton.

Tera Lynae Berger was born on October 17, 1973, in Granite Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Gene and Lynae Berger. She was baptized, confirmed, and remained strong in her faith and was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Minnesota.

As a young child, Tera moved with her family to their farm near Norcross, Minnesota. She helped on the farm, enjoyed being outdoors with her animals, doing 4-H projects and participating in extra-curricular school activities. Tera graduated from Wheaton High School and continued her education at Concordia College, earning a Food Science and Family Nutrition Education degree. After graduating from college, she moved to the Twin Cities area, before owning her home in Maple Grove. Her life-long career with the Hennepin County WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program is a testament to her dedication and passion to help others.

Throughout her life, Tera made lasting connections with those who were fortunate to know her. Her selflessness, generosity, and kindness were her legacy. Whether she was attending an event for her nieces and nephew, cooking for a crowd, or simply being a shoulder to lean on, she always put others first.

Tera very much appreciated waterfalls and enjoyed seeking out new ones. She also found joy in family time, cooking, camping, reading, kayaking and crafts; especially making projects using reclaimed wood from her grandparents’ farm buildings. Tera also had a talent for creating hand-made cards. Every holiday and birthday was recognized with her latest unique card creation. Special days for her “niblings” deserved special attention, such as “Yay! You got your braces off!”, “You what? Broke your leg?” or “Happy First Day of School!” and were acknowledged with an amazing creative Auntie card.

Tera was a constant source of wisdom to every single family member, but especially her nieces and nephew. Her bond with them was unique and profound. Whether it was offering a listening ear, sharing adventures, or giving hugs that made everything seem better, Auntie Tera had an innate ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued. Tera understood the importance of family, and becoming an aunt and godmother were among the greatest joys of her life. Her unexpected departure leaves a void that will be felt by them every day, but the lessons she imparted and the love she shared will continue to guide them through the years.

Tera is survived by her parents, Gene and Lynae (Schmidt) Berger; brothers: Tony (Gina) Berger; and Levi (Christina) Berger; five nieces and a nephew whom she cherished every day: Kyla, Hadley, Miles, Lana, Kinley, and Paedyn; also grandmother Ione Schmidt; aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

She is preceded in death by grandparents: Milton Schmidt and Sadie Berger; aunts: Sherilyn Martinek and Janette Schmidt; and an uncle, Lonnie Schmidt.

Tera will be sadly missed by all those whose lives she touched.