Randy Berger

Randy Berger, age 63, of Mahnomen, MN died on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at his home in Mahnomen. Randy Allan Berger, the son of Russell and Muriel (Olson) Berger, was born on September 27, 1951 in Thief River Falls, MN. He lived in Thief River Falls until the early 1960’s when his family moved to Clearbrook, MN where his father worked for the railroad. Randy and his family lived above the train depot during a portion of their three years there. Their next move was to Mahnomen where Randy graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1970. As a young man, Randy enlisted in the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam Era. He trained as a medic at Ft. Sam, Houston, TX, and later served in the dental company at Ft. Riley, KS. While home on leave, Randy was united in marriage to Beverly Jasken on November 21, 1970. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and began his undergraduate studies at Northland Community College. He then received his Bachelor’s Degree from Bemidji State University and later obtained an EBD licensure. Randy started his teaching career in Hendrum, MN, before working as an assessor in both Becker and Clay counties. Over the years, Randy taught in the Mahnomen and Circle of Life schools as well as White Earth Head Start. He was proudly able to be a “stay at home dad” and was an integral part of his daughters’ lives while they were in school. Randy attended Moler Barber College and barbered at his residence. He looked forward to visiting with his regulars. Randy enjoyed going to garage sales and finding “treasures" and loved socializing with the people. This led to his interest in the Antiques Roadshow which he attended several times. Throughout his life he loved to hunt, fish, camp, ride motorcycle, and fly his airplane. Researching his family's Soo Line Railroad history led him to be involved with a group of individuals restoring the Clearbrook Depot. He also proudly contributed to the documentary film about the history of the depot. He recently purchased a motorcycle and enjoyed riding with his friends again. Randy also loved the peace and quiet of his Bejou farmstead with his dog, Charlie. Randy is survived by his wife, Beverly of Mahnomen; two daughters, Christine and Rachel, both of Fosston, MN; one brother, Rick Berger of Detroit Lakes, MN; one sister, Rhonda (Paul) Hanson of Reno, NV; his aunt Dolly Beauchamp and his uncle Harold Nelson as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Russell G. and Muriel Berger; his grandparents: Carl and Martha Olson, Christ and Christine Berger; and two siblings, Rosalyn and Ron Berger. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, MN. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Randy Berger

September 27, 1951 - August 29, 2015