BERGER, Gustave (Frank)

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Friday, May 08, 2015 Gustave “Frank” Berger U.S. Veteran July 5, 1923 - April 10, 2015 Gustave “Frank” Berger passed away April 10, 2015. He was born in Tacoma, Wash. July 5, 1923 to Gustave “Frank” Sr. and Lillie Mae Bane Berger. He is survived by his wife, Ripples; and three children, Carol, twins John and May; and also two stepdaughters, Redessa and Lynette; three sisters also survive, Juanita, Anita and Dolores. He is also survived by four grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Frank served 6-1/2 (six and a half) years in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II and Korea. He signed up with the Navy in January 1942, thus becoming a “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” After leaving the Navy, he enrolled in college while working part-time and also signed up as a volunteer fireman. While in college, he gradually began taking more fire science classes; eventually it became his major. Frank worked his way up through the ranks to become a fire chief, serving 25 years in San Diego County, Calif. As a fire chief, he became involved in and with many state and county agencies and departments. He became a board member on several of the agencies. Frank worked directly and indirectly with any number of civic groups giving talks, helping with fund drives working on floats for parades etc. He was elected as president of the high school band parents association and marched in the Rose Bowl Parade three times. Frank was presented many awards and plaques as well as lifetime membership in several organizations because of his work in and for the communities and organizations. He belonged to Kiwanis, working in all offices numerous times. Frank achieved an 18-year perfect attendance award as a Kiwanian. Frank’s life revolved around service to the community and helping individuals in projects they could not do. Upon retirement from the fire service, Frank began doing carpentry, new structures, remodeling, and repair. He began working with his dad at 12 years of age, learning to do all facets of the building trade. n retirement, Frank and Ripples traveled through all of the western states in their truck and 30-foot fifth-wheel trailer. They drove the circle trip through Alaska two times and worked three summers as campground hosts in Washington State, 25 miles north of the Columbia River. Frank loved camping in the tall trees and mountains, being with nature and listening to the silence as wind was humming through the trees. Frank donated his body to science. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 13 at the Community Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Main St., Payson.