Robert Lee Berger

Robert Lee Berger, known to all as Bob, died just before the midnight hour of Sunday, December 1, 2013 at his home in Show Low, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 64 years old. Bob was born on January 20, 1949 in Horton, Brown County, Kansas to his father, the late William Martin Berger and his mother, Anna Mae Baker Berger. Bob moved, with the family, from his native Kansas to Arizona in July of 1962. While still a young man, Bob enlisted himself into the United States Army in January of 1968, during the height of the Vietnam War. His service took him to Vietnam and he truly saw, firsthand, the horrors of war. He served bravely, valiantly and with the utmost of integrity and received his honorable discharge from the military, as a Sergeant in August of 1970. Sergeant Berger was awarded several medals from his service in the military, including: The National Defense Service Medal, both the Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign Medals as well as the Good Conduct Medal. He was looked up to during the war and respected by everyone and was one to never shy away from the difficult situations that he was put in during the war. When he was discharged from the U.S. Army, he returned to Phoenix where he began a new chapter in his life. He began a long career in the construction industry, mainly working as a concrete stem setter. He was a hard worker and everyone could depend on his punctuality, honesty and excellent work ethic. Bob was one to live his life the way he wanted and, oh, what I life he lived. He lived it to the fullest. Bob was never one to spend his time idly, and when he wasn't working, he was looking for a good party. Frequently, He was "the life of the party" for whomever else was there, making everybody feel comfortable while in his presence. Bob may have had a rough exterior but, his heart was golden. It is said by many that he was a kind, loving and giving man. Always willing to help a friend in need, never expecting anything in return. He will be greatly missed by his family and many, many friends. Bob also loved being in the great-out-of-doors. He spent countless hours riding his Harley on the open roads and always appreciated the beauty he found within the state while on his road trips. Too, Bob was an avid hunter, especially elk and deer and an occasional quail. Bob also enjoyed the serenity of a quiet lake or stream while he fished. His daughter said of him, "If he could shoot it and eat it, he was huntin' it!" Since moving to the White Mountains many, many years ago, Bob always considered this beautiful place "one of God's gardens" and refused to ever call any other place home. This is where his roots took and this was his home. Over the years, Bob was affiliated with his comrades at Show Low's VFW and always looked forward to his visits there. As his illness progressed, he missed his visits to the VFW and they missed him. Robert Lee Berger is survived by his mother, Anna Mae Berger of Glendale, Arizona; daughter: Della Vesely-Oliphant (Phillip) of Show Low, Arizona; 2 brothers: William Martin Berger (Lola) of Litchfield Park, Arizona, Michael Berger (Candace) of Glendale, Arizona; 1 sister, Beverly Hutchinson (Gary Mitchell) of Helena, Montana; 2 grandsons: Austin Vesely, Johnny Vesely; 1 granddaughter, Rosalie Brooks and 1 great-granddaughter, Mary Brooks. Along with his father, William Martin Berger, who preceded in death in 1982, Bob was also preceded in death by a sister, Pamela Elizabeth Berger in 2010. A special memorial gathering and barbeque for family and friends will take place at a later date on a nice and sunny day.