Stephen John Berger Sr.

     Stephen John Berger, Sr., 76, of South Bend passed away after a twenty-year battle with MDS on September 28, 2024. Stephen was born to the late Alvin J. and Mary E. (Bickwermert) Berger on June 2, 1948, in South Bend, IN. Stephen was a lifelong resident of South Bend and member of St. Matthew Cathedral, where he graduated from grade school in 1962. He then attended and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1966 before attending Ball State University. Stephen graduated from IUSB in 1970 with his bachelor’s degree. Stephen married Linda K. Carpenter on July 29, 1972, in St. Matthew Cathedral.

      Stephen is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Linda Berger; children, Stephanie (Eric) Switzer of Camby, IN, Stephen J. (Susan) Berger, Jr. of Mishawaka, and Stacie Overmyer of Plymouth, IN; grandchildren, Ryan, Rachel and Reed Switzer, Cody Milliman, Wyatt and Madilyn Berger, Megan and Morgan Overmyer and Bridget Messick; siblings, George (Judy) Berger of Niles, MI, Carolyn (Greg) Grzesk of South Bend, Sister Mary Philip Berger OSB, of  Ferdinand, IN, and Philip (Cynthia) Berger of Auburn, CA; twenty nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Sue Berger, Kate Vincent, Bev Brewer and Vickie Berger as well as many extended family members and friends.

     Stephen was preceded in death by four grandchildren born in heaven; his parents; brothers, Thomas, A. William, Kenneth V., and Richard Berger; nephew, Kenneth Berger; sisters-in-law, Judy and Hattie Berger.

     Stephen worked in the trucking and transportation industry during college until he retired from USF Holland in 2012 after thirty-six years of service. Over the years he had worked for Shippers Dispatch, Bendix Trucking, Hennis Freight, and Trucker Freight Lines. He spent many years coaching and umpiring children’s sports. Stephen enjoyed reading and learning about history. More than anything he loved his children and grandchildren.

     Friends may visit with the family from 11am-1pm in St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami St, South Bend, IN 46613 on Thursday, October 3rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately following the visitation in the Cathedral. A private burial will be held at a later time in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN.

     Donations in Honor of Stephen may be given to the MDS Foundation, Inc., 4573 South Broad Street, Suite 150, Yardville, New Jersey, 08620.

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