James “Jim” Steven Berger, 71, of St. Louis, passed away Monday, June 12, 2023, at Mercy Hospice South – de Greeff Hospice House in St. Louis County.
He was born Sept. 23, 1951, to Amos Oscar and Bernice Anna (Langenberg) Berger in Washington.
He was united in marriage to Kathleen Pellet, June 28, 1975, at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Louis. They were about to celebrate their 48th anniversary.
After recently retiring from co-owning an industrial sealant business for 43 years, Jim was enjoying spending time on his other passions in life. He was an outdoorsman who loved hunting, farming, cattle, spending time with family, and anything that gave him an excuse to get into his air conditioned tractor.
Jim was the first to offer a hand to help and crack a joke while doing so. His kind and patient qualities were only exceeded by his love of Jesus, homemade ice cream and a rodeo.
He was preceded in death by parents Amos and Bernice.
He is survived by wife, Kathleen of St. Louis; daughters, Kristin Papek and husband Brent of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Kelly Phoenix and husband Craig of Waterloo, Ill.; siblings, Dennis Berger and wife Bobbie of Owensville, Barry Berger and wife Tyra of Wichita, Kan., and Cindy Homeyer and husband Bill of Owensville; and grandchildren, Willow, Amos, Cedar, Luna and Archer.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 16, from 4–8 p.m. at Southgate Church, 9820 E. Watson Road, St. Louis, and also Saturday, June 17, from 2–3 p.m. at Charlotte’s St. James United Church of Christ, Drake.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 17, at 3 p.m. at St. James United Church of Christ with Pastor Victor Gerson and Rev. Van Lahmeyer officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorials requested for Oasis International supporting refugees in St. Louis or family’s choice that will be kept for local charities in Owensville/Rosebud/Drake.
Arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville.
