Cmdr Gary William Berger
Cmdr Gary William Berger, 67, a decorated US Navy Veteran, of LaGrange Park, passed away on December 22, 2022. Beloved father of Katie (Brett) Matsukawa, whom he shares with Carey Berger. A loving Bubby to Mo, his favorite granddaughter, in the whole wide world. Dear brother of Sue (Edwin) Kozoyed, the late Michael Berger, Janet (David) Grabacki, Margie Berger, & Keith (Maria) Berger. A wonderful uncle, cousin, and friend. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Joanne and Ollie J. Berger, Jr.
Gary will be dearly missed. His determination and dedication enabled him to provide a good life for his family and serve his country for over 35 years. However, he was best known for “Gary-Rigging” everything around the house and his passion for cutting a rug at weddings.
Memorial Visitation will take place at 10:00 am until Mass at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Church, 125 N. Spring Ave., LaGrange. Mass will be livestreamed at St. Francis Xavier Parish, La Grange, IL | Facebook. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations in Gary’s name to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/.
Funeral Info: 708-352-6500
Sending my good wishes and condolences to all of Gary’s family and friends
Gary will be missed by all of the Schmidt side of the family along with the other dearly departed family members. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gary was a great man. He meant so much to me and my family.
Gary will be missed by many. Especially me. May he rest in peace. My heartfelt sympathies to his family who knew him well and loved him. Rest easy dear cousin. Love, Mary K.
Our sympathy to the whole family. We will miss seeing him on his daily walks with Rosey.
So sorry to hear about Gary’s passing.
I am very sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. I have very fond memories of him during our Navy service together, though I hadn’t the privilege of seeing Gary in almost fifteen years.
My prayers are with his family at this difficult time, but be assured that Gary is in a much better place now. I will remember him in my intentions at Mass this Sunday and going forward.
Grant eternal rest unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Requiescat in pace. Amen.
Brian Muza (former LCDR, USNR)
Sorry to hear of his passing! My thoughts and prayers to his family!
So very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. My deepest condolences to his entire family. I went to grammar school with Gary then did not see him until a reunion a few years ago. I am glad we were able to have a nice long talk and reminisce. He was a nice kid in school and grew up to be a good man.
Rest in Peace and in Heaven Sir.
We have the watch.
May God bless and keep the entire family.
Very Respectfully
ISC Kyna Simpson
USN, Retired
My condolences to all of Gary’s family. He was always a good guy.
Gary was everything his childhood friend described at today’s mass – intensely brave, loyal and passionate about everything he did…with side-splitting humor that could fix anything. He loved his family, extended military family too, and several mutual friends called this week to talk about this – sailors, soldiers, airmen & marines, because Gary was there for all of us at our most awkward moments, through hard times, and just all around present when most needed. I believe this goes on and on with no end, and I value Gary’s influence in my life as I try to pass it on. Fair Winds CDR…!