Mr. Joseph M. “Joe” Berger, 90, of Versailles, Ohio passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 11:12 PM at the Versailles Health Care Center, Versailles, Ohio. He was born on April 24, 1919 in Darke County, Ohio to the late Eugene and Cora (Treon) Berger.
Joe was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church, Versailles, Ohio and was well known for repairing and selling bicycles in the area. He retired from General Motors, was also the owner and operator of Berger Shoe Store for 15 years and was an avid Reds fan.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by; wife, Luella J. (Bulcher) Berger on Dec. 27, 2002 whom he married on Nov. 25, 1939; son, Kenneth Berger; 3 infant’s at birth; grandson, Jason Berger; brothers, Hubert, Bernard, Francis and Lucine Berger; sisters, Maribelle Rice, Lucille Bruns, Evelyn Loxley and Dortha Jean Martino; half brother, Bobby Berger; step sister, June Parin.
He is survived by; daughters and sons in law, Joan & Carl Langenkamp of Yorkshire, Ohio, Shirley & Leroy Cordonnier of Versailles and Marilyn & Denis Petitjean of Centerville, Ohio; daughter in law, Debbie Berger of Beavercreek, Ohio; grandchildren, Michael Langenkamp, Mark Cordonnier, Steve Cordonnier, Deb Barga, Kevin Cordonnier, Chanda Brown, Shane Petitjean, Carrie Johnson, Michael Berger and Lori Valerius; 19 great grandchildren; 5 step great grandchildren; 2 step great great grandchildren; half brother, Ed Berger of Dayton, Ohio; half sister, Janet Pitsenbarger of Versailles as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 10:30 AM at St. Denis Catholic Church, Versailles, Ohio with Rev. Fr. David Vincent celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles, Ohio. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 from 5-8 PM at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles, Ohio.
Memorial contributions can be made to the State of the Heart Hospice. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com.
