Dennis Lee Berger

DENNIS LEE BERGER, age 89, of Worthington, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Sibley Specialty Care, Care Initiatives in Sibley, IA. He was born August 31, 1936, in Worthington, to Ralph and Myrna “Mickey” (Arneson) Berger.

Dennis married Clara Schaap on February 10, 1957, at the Assembly of God Church in Worthington. After their marriage, the couple lived in Rochester where Dennis worked as a butcher. They moved to Kansas for a short time while Dennis was in basic training at Ft. Riley in the United States Army. They then moved to Olympia, WA where Dennis served in the United States Army at Ft. Lewis. In 1961, they moved to Worthington. Dennis worked for Berger Transfer Ready-Mix. He later started his own concrete business. After retirement, Dennis enjoyed some traveling with Clara, helping his children with projects at their homes and often watching after his grandchildren. He had a heart to help anyone in need. Dennis spent many years as the primary caregiver for his precious wife, Clara.

He was a member of Solid Rock Assembly, in Worthington. Dennis enjoyed playing board and card games, watching the MN Twins, Vikings, reading his bible, listening to Gospel music, hunting, fishing, archery, playing softball and camping, especially the family trips to Lake Geneva Bible Camp.

Dennis is survived by his four children, Charles Berger, Worthington; Calvin (Pam) Berger, Worthington; Chris (Doreen) Berger, Brewster; and Caren (Scot) Westendorf, Cape Coral, FL; also Norma VandenBerg & numerous other foster children; seventeen grandchildren, Amelia (Aaron) Rogers, Wesley (Amanda) Berger, Dennis “DJ” Berger, Nicole (Christopher) Fritz, Megan (Tyler) Eekhoff, Renae (Cory) Lapham, Hannah (fiance, Cody) Langseth-Berger, Christina (fiancée, Chris) Berger, Michal (Katelyn) Berger, Sonya Berger, Daniel Dressel, Natalie Westendorf, Jordan Westendorf, Robby Westendorf, Naomi (Curtis) Hatchell, Anthony (Sabrina) VandenBerg and Sarah VandenBerg; seventeen great-grandchildren, Corson, Isaiah, Payten, Oaklynn, Zekial, Rowan, Maddox, Haven, Edith, Ellsi, Perseus, Freya, Wilhelmina, Katelynn, Jaden, Jaxon and Lalayna Vale; and a brother, Dudley (Sheri) Berger, St. Peter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Clara on April 25, 2017; and two sisters, Delores (Stanley) Roos; and Deanna (Leonard) Salvig.

Funeral service will be 10 am, Saturday, July 11 at Solid Rock Assembly, in Worthington, officiated by Pastor Scott Petersen. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial with full military honors provided by the Worthington American Legion & VFW, will be in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Worthington.

Dingmann Funeral Home, in Worthington, is in charge of arrangements.