John “Jack” Leroy Berge Sr. passed away at home on May 27, 2022, surrounded by his family.
Jack was born on April 15, 1941, to Louis and Bernice (Kannberg) in Portland, Oregon.
Jack was raised on the family’s farm in Home Valley, Washington. He joined the Air Force when he was 18 years old and spent time in North Dakota and Japan, traveling the world and playing volleyball for the Air Force.
Upon returning from the Air Force he began courting Susan (Susie) Holmes, the love of his life. They married on Dec. 18, 1964. Jack and Susie began their married life together in Carson, Washington and moved to Aberdeen in 1967 when Jack began working for the Aberdeen Fire Department. He would have a very successful career, rising to the position of captain.
Jack and Susie moved to the Wishkah Valley in 1969 and had seven children. He spent much of his time off coaching the kids in various sports, falling timber and attending thousands of sporting events watching his kids and grandkids.
Jack retired in 1991 from the fire department. His retirement did not last long, as he began a second career for the Aberdeen School District as a custodian for Hopkins Preschool.
Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing, creating many long-standing traditions and memories with his wife, children and grandchildren. Some of these included an annual hunting trip back to his family home with all of his sons and some of the grandchildren. They hunted together for over 40 years.
Some of his favorite fishing memories included yearly trips to Punzi in Canada with Susie, his sons, his grandson Trey and several friends over the years. Jack and Susie would also take many of their grandchildren on annual camping trips to Walupt Lake near Mount St. Helens.
Jack and Susie went on five trips to Alaska over the last 15 years, sightseeing and visiting family and Wishkah friends.
Jack is survived by his wife at the family home, and his seven children: John Berge Jr. (JoLynn), Michael Berge, Kelly Berge, Karla Nord (Brian), Kimberly Smith (Jake), Kylie Simonson (Erik) and Timothy Berge (Kelly), 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.
