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Funeral home: Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral
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Obituary
Walter Benton Berger, age 57 passed away after a
short yet courageous battle against colon cancer on
the 29th day of May 2016, at his home with his
family at his side.
Walter was the son of Daniel W. Berger and Betty J.
Harris, born in Lincoln, on September 24, 1958. He
graduated from New Holland-Middletown High School in
1976 where he participated in sports, track and
field, and in the FFA (Future Farmers of America).
Learning at an early age not just from his father,
but from being a Boy Scout, Walter understood the
value of honesty, integrity, and morality. He always
did the “right thing” no matter how difficult it may
be. As a boy, he was once given a penny too much in
change, and when he got home, he realized the error.
He then rode his bike several miles just to return
the extra penny. Walter became the epitome of the
part of the FFA Creed that reads, “…faith born not
of words but of deeds.”
Walter was born into a farmer’s life, and he loved
it, the challenges, the struggles, and the
satisfaction of actually reaping what you sow. That
is why he farmed with his father in an area known
locally as “Coonsburg” until 1985 when he took over
farming what was then known as the Landau farm west
of Lincoln, where he began a long and close
friendship with neighbor Larry and Julia.
To know Walter was to love Walter, how could you
not? His smile was warm his voice was deep, his
handshake firm and his stride long. He was known to
be quiet but was incredibly funny.
Although Walter loved living in the era of playing
cards, shooting pool and playing pinball in a smoke
filled back room, he really enjoyed reading, playing
classic video games as well as the challenges of
finding the ever elusive morel mushrooms, fishing
and bagging the big buck. |
Being a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, Walter was an active lifetime
member of the NRA and a member of the Heritage Foundation.
For Walter, the name “Bonanza” was not simply an old
western show he loved, but rather the name of his
favorite place to eat in Lincoln. Besides good food,
he knew he could count on the owner and good friend
Brett for some great conversations and a good laugh.
Walter was preceded in death by his mother, Betty J.
McLaughlin, and his sister Pamela R. Kegerris (Jeff)
of Batavia. He is survived by his father, Daniel W.
Berger of Lincoln, sisters Rebecca Parrish (Leon) of
Surgoinsville, TN, Elizabeth Berger of Bristol, TN,
three beautiful nieces, cousins, best friends Eddie
Davison, Bill Cooper, Danny Dean, special friend
Karen Sights and many other dear friends.
At Walter’s request, there will be no visitation,
but a private memorial will be held for his family.
Holland Barry& Bennett Funeral Home has been
entrusted with his care.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the
family of Walter Benton Berger
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