Howard W. Berger

Howard’s elementary education was at the Jasper school, and the Wilson Seventh-day Adventist church’s school. He graduated high school from Hylandale Academy in Rockland, Wis.

For several years after high school, he and three or four friends went to Detroit where they began to build houses. During that time, he married Adeline Mabie, his high school sweetheart, and their first daughter was born there. About a year later they moved back to Gourley Township, where they lived the rest of their lives. Howard began a building business, and built many homes and barns in several U.P. communities. At first, this effort was supplemented by a small farming operation.

After the last of his four daughters had finished her education, Howard laid off his crew, and transitioned to backhoe work, digging ­basements, septic systems, etc. This allowed the Bergers to go to Arizona in the winter for several years. While there he took a course in whittling, and sensed a business opportunity after paying $10 for a small chunk of basswood. He began carrying basswood blocks, boards in various shapes to Arizona each winter. Back in Michigan he developed local customers, and at one time had outlets “coast to coast.” Even after Howard sold the basswood business, wood working was a favorite pastime.

Howard was a lifelong member of the Wilson Seventh-day Adventist Church, serving faithfully in several leadership positions, including head elder, school board member, teacher of a children’s class. That was one of his favorites.

Howard was the last survivor of his family of origin being preceded in death by his parents, four brothers ­(Florian, Ray, Clarence, and Ralph), and one sister, Mabel Sandahl. In addition, his wife of 75 years preceded him, as well as one daughter, Maxine Henry; and two sons-in-law, Bud Moon and Dave King.

He is survived by three daughters, Charlotte Moon and Aileen King of Wilson, and Marge (Bill) Ketler of Phoenix, Ariz.; and son-in-law, Ray Henry. Others include grandchildren, Kurt Moon, Sydney Romanof, Jon Henry, Kristen Baun, Joe Henry, Josh Henry, and D.J. Patton; several great-­grandchildren; one ­great-­great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will begin Nov. 14 with visitation at 4 p.m. (ET) in the Wilson Seventh-day Adventist church on CR 551, to be followed by the service at 5 p.m., burial in the church’s cemetery, and a dinner.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting crawfordfuneralhomes.net.