Wilbur (Willie) Eugene Berger
NEWTON — Wilbur (Willie) Eugene
Berger, 81, died on Monday (Feb. 20, 2012) at Newton Medical Center,
surrounded by family.
Wilbur was born on April 29, 1930, in
Rural Sumner County to Reinold and Cora (Williams) Berger. He married
Kay Glover on Aug. 14, 1971, in McPherson. Wilbur and Kay were
married for more than 40 years.
Wilbur retired from Boeing Aircraft
Company in 1995 after working there for 42 years. He enjoyed aircraft
and its history and was one of many who assisted with the restoration
of the B-29 airplane in Wichita.
Wilbur raced cars in his younger days
and continued to enjoy watching races throughout his later years.
Wilbur took pleasure in spending time outdoors, whether hunting and
fishing with family and friends or walking the dogs around the pond.
Wilbur’s greatest joys came from sharing time with his children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With heartfelt empathy for
animals, Wilbur found joy in bringing food and donations to Caring
Hands Humane Society of Newton.
Wilbur is survived by his wife, Kay;
his children, Valorie (Larry) Bachman, Ron Bogunovich, Laura (Kim)
Baumann and Jeff (Fawn) Berger, all of Newton, and Mark (Erika)
Berger of Wichita; and brothers and sisters, Etta Mae Welty of
Wichita, Ervin Berger of Peabody, Donald Berger of Newton, Allen
Berger of Haysville, Bonnie Emerson of Mayetta, William Berger of
Cleveland, Tenn., Wilma Johnson of Basehor, and Marjorie Hiebert of
Wichita. He also is survived by 17 grandchildren and 17
great-grandchildren.
Wilbur was preceded in death by a
brother, Nelson Berger; a son, Ralph Bogunovich; a grandson, Corey
Bogunovich; and his parents.
A celebration of life service will be
at 2 p.m. Friday at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel. Inurnment will be
at Greenwood Cemetery of Newton. The family will greet friends after
the service.
A memorial has been set up for Caring
Hands Humane Society of Newton, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
Visit www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
