Gladys Berger, age 85, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, July 26, 2012 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Gladys Margaret Berger, daughter of John and Florence (Starkey) Buschette, was born on October 12, 1926 on the family farm in Pembina Township, MN. As a young child, the family moved to a neighboring township, Rosedale, where Gladys was raised. She attended St. Michael's Catholic School and Mahnomen High School. Following her graduation in 1945, she worked at the Mahnomen Hospital and at Edna's Grocery Store in Mahnomen. In 1947, Gladys was united in marriage to Robert Berger and they were blessed with two children, Kenneth and Karen. While the kids were young, Gladys stayed at home but later worked various jobs in the area including Kjos Café, the Red Apple Café and at the Mahnomen County Courthouse. She spent some time working in Detroit Lakes, MN, at the Vocational School and then with the Tamarac Job Core. In 1990, Gladys retired from serving over 19 years with White Earth Health Services. In 2009, she entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home where she has made her home since.

Gladys loved the outdoors, especially working in her gardens, caring for flowers and bird watching. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and playing Bingo. She was a talented musician spending many hours playing the piano and organ. Gladys was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church where she proudly served on the Ladies Aide. She kept daily journals of all of her life's events… stories now that will be cherished by her family.


Gladys is survived by one son: Kenneth Berger of Waubun; one daughter, Karen Berger of Waubun; one brother, Dennis Buschette of Waubun; four grandchildren: Richard (Judy) Berger, Logan (Anna) Berger, Lacey (Dave) Carter, and Loque Berger; and seven great-grandchildren.


She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant brother, Robert.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun with Fr. Dwight Hoeberechts, OMI officiating. Special music was provided by Monica Winter. Pallbearers were Richard Berger, Logan Berger, Dan Paul, Dave Carter, Randy Berger, Austin Lanoue. Visitation was from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Monday, July 30, 2012 at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30pm. Visitation was also be one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Tuesday. Interment was at St. Ann's Cemetery in Waubun.