Karen Berger, age 86, of Atlantic, IA, went home to heaven on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Cass Community Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, IA.
Karen Marie Smith was born to Ross and Marie (Henneberg) Smith at her grandparents’ home north of Anita, IA, on March 19, 1938. She attended country schools and Wiota High School, graduating in 1956. She married Wilbur Berger on September 2, 1956, at her parent’s home. They lived in Atlantic for a year before moving with their newborn daughter to Wappinger Falls, NY. In 1964, they and their daughter and newborn son moved to North Liberty, IA. Finally in 1967, they purchased a farm and moved back to the Anita area.
She drove a school bus for the Anita Community School district for over 34 years, often carrying the second generation of families in the community. In addition to her regular route, she enjoyed taking kids to various activities and sporting events over the years. After the tragic death of her son, she started working in the fields with Wilbur, eventually learning how to do all the farming operations except planting. A true team, they also spent 10 years operating the Anita Food Pantry together as they were committed to everyone having enough food to eat. She enjoyed crafting, especially quilting, gifting many quilts to her family and friends, and hand quilting to raise funds for church projects. She was a part of the Loyal Circle quilters at the Anita Methodist Church for a number of years. But she joked that she could have made many more quilts if she didn’t spend so much time “with her nose in a book.” She took after her parents, especially her father, in her love of reading. Additionally, she enjoyed Southern Gospel music and riding the motorcycle with Wilbur in their later years.
Hers was a quiet faith, and she was a member and dedicated worker in the Wiota United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, serving as a lay leader and in various other positions within the church and being active in the United Methodist Women. She was always interested in people and their stories and especially enjoyed talking to children and teenagers.
She is survived by her daughter, Virginia of Adel, nephews Shane (Diana) Smith of Anita, Shad (Jill) Smith of Papillion, NE, nieces Ellen (Patrick) Rude of Whitefish, MT, Carol (Jim) Westerdale of Porter Ranch, CA, Shannon (Rick) Ryan of Atlantic, Ingrid (Page) Ulrey of Seattle, WA, and Shala Smith of Marion, IA, sister-in-law Glenda Smith of Whitefish, MT and other cherished family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilbur, son, Ross, parents Ross and Marie Smith, parents-in-law, Wayne and Nellie Berger, brothers Bob and Guy, and sister-in-law Judy Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Wiota United Methodist Church with Rev. Jessica Wietzke officiating. A private burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, IA. Following the services at the church, a luncheon will be held in the church basement. Visitation with the family present will be on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA.
Memorials can be made in her name to the Anita Food Pantry and left or mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home at PO Box 523 – Atlantic, IA. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home is caring for the Berger family at this time and condolences can be sent at schmidtfamilyfh.com
