Howard D. Berger
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Howard D. Berger, 87, of Du Quoin, passed away at 3:58 p.m., Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.
Howard was born on March 5, 1923 at Murphysboro, Ill., the son of Charles and Mary (Bantel) Berger.
He graduated from Murphysboro High School. Following graduation, he served with the 101st Airborne in World War II. He concluded his tour of duty at Hitler's Hideout in Berchtesgaden, Germany at the end of the war.
He met Dorothy E. Jackson of Du Quoin in 1945 and they were married on July 13, 1946 at Union City, Tenn. and she survives.
He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Du Quoin. Other memberships included the Elks Lodge #884, American Legion Post #647, and VFW Post #513, all of Du Quoin.
He had worked for his brother-in-law, Sylvester Dirler in the operation of Dirler's Market prior to building and operating Berger's Grocery Market on West Main Street for over 25 years. He concluded his working career selling real estate.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy, he is survived by one son - Brad Berger and wife Margaret of Noblesville, Ind., one daughter - Debbie Martin and husband David of Du Quoin, one grandson - Michael Berger and wife Katy of Zionsville, Ind., two granddaughters - Suzanne Mefford and husband Todd of Westfield, Ind. and Cori Maynor and husband Barry of Du Quoin, four great grandchildren - Sam and Sydney Mefford of Westfield, Ind., and Eli and Max Maynor of Du Quoin, two sisters - Rose Dirler of Du Quoin and Eleanor Ann Wilson of Murphysboro.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother - Willard Berger of Lake Worth, Fla.
Memorial services for family and friends were conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Rich Luh officiating.
Friends called from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Military graveside rites were conducted by the Du Quoin American Legion and V.F.W.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ in Du Quoin or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.