Ralph D. Berger

Ralph passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, with his family by his side. 

Ralph was born on August 21, 1933, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to the late John and Mildred (Ward) Berger. Ralph joined the United States Army after graduating high school and later worked for Miles Laboratories.

 Ralph married his best friend Helen (McDonald) and spent many years together fishing and playing cards, until Helen’s passing in 1998. While Ralph never had children of his own, he was the beloved “Uncle Ralph” of 8 great-nieces and -nephews, always there for their moments of joy and celebration from birthdays to graduations. At family gatherings he was often quiet, but was quick with a joke to those sitting close enough to listen.

 Later in life, Ralph and his sister Phyllis were inseparable. They traveled the world by cruise ship, to locations as far flung as Alaska, Panama, and Hawaii. Ralph also had a special way with dogs, and especially loved his enormously sweet black lab named Toby. 

Surviving Ralph is his sister, Phyllis Marsh; nieces, Brenda Graham, Debbie (Kurt) Weslock; nephew, Craig (Kim) Marsh; great-nieces Chelsea, Sarah, Morgan, Maddie, and Leah; great-nephews Nicholas, Joshua, and Noah; and great-great-nieces Bia and Tillie. Preceding him in passing are his wife, Helen, and his parents Mildred and John Berger.

Cremation will take place in accordance with his wishes, and a memorial gathering will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 11AM to 1PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 South 9 th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Ralph will be laid to rest with full military honors at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Michigan 49012, on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2:30PM. To view Ralph’s personalized guestbook, please visit, https://www.langelands.com