Ivan "Butch" Berger

Ivan R. “Butch” Berger, age 65, of Waterville, passed away at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, on Sunday, October 15, 2023.

Ivan was born October 2, 1958, in Marysville, to Orville F. and Kathryn M. (Klocke) Berger.  He graduated from Hanover High School in 1976.  He began a career in farming that lasted his entire life.  Ivan married Janet M. Price on November 10, 1979 at Marysville.

In addition to farming, Ivan also worked for TravAlong Trailer Manufacturing, the Washington County Sherriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer and for Or-Al Quarries as a heavy equipment operator. He kept busy serving his community as a Fireman for the Barnes Rural Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief for 22 years.  He also served as the Treasurer for the Washington Farmer’s Union and on the Marshall County Fair Board.

Ivan was a good loving man.  He loved his family and was dedicated to serving his community.  He was always willing to help anyone who needed it.  He never knew a stranger and you could count on him always having a positive attitude and smile on his face.

Survivors include his wife Janet, two children: Eric (Anna) Berger of Waterville and Becky Berger of Marysville, and a granddaughter Raegan.  Preceding Ivan in death were his parents, a son, Kurtis Berger, two grandchildren: Grace and Beau Berger, his brother and sister-in-law, Delvin and Elaine Berger, an infant brother Roland Berger, his father and mother-in-law, Lee and Catherine Price, and his sister-in-law, Dru Price.

Viewing is from noon to 8:00 pm, Thursday, October 19, 2023, with visitation between 6:00 and 8:00 pm, at Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.

Funeral services are at 10:00 am, Monday, October 23, 2023, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Waterville with Pastor David Thompson Officiating.  The organist will be Kim Oatney.  “The Old Rugged Cross” will be sung as a congregational hymn and a pre-recorded selection of “Daddy’s Hands” will be played.  Casket Bearers are: David Bruna, Kenny Rettig, Alan Richter, Ben Berger, Johnathan Oatney and Jared Oatney.  Honorary Bearers are: Jim Price, Larry Price, Greg Price, Ken Berger, Bruce Berger and Joe Peschel.  Burial is at Riverside Cemetery in Waterville.

Memorials are suggested to the Ivan Berger Memorial, to be designated later, and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.