Esther Berger

She was born on April 1, 1935, in Crystal Falls, the daughter of John and Martha Maki. Esther grew up in Crystal Falls with her brother, Erland, and four sisters, Elsie, Annie, Donna, and Linda.

Esther held a steadfast friendship with her sisters throughout her life. No matter where she lived, her sisters were a constant source of strength and affection. After graduating high school in 1954, Esther moved to Kansas to be with her sister, Elsie. While in Kansas, Esther met her lifelong partner and husband, Rudy Berger. They were married Aug. 19, 1956, and shared 69 precious years together.

Esther and Rudy were blessed with three children, and their family life was filled with adventure as they traveled the world during Rudy’s assignments with the U.S. Air Force.  They lived in Topeka, Kan.; Labrador, Canada; Portsmouth, N.H.; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Wichita, Kan. before eventually retiring in Arizona. 

As a civil service employee, Esther worked for four years at the U.S. Embassy in Argentina. She continued her career in her administrative assistant role at Beechcraft. Though she was known for being a hard-worker in all of her positions, she most enjoyed her time working in a bank in New Hampshire. An avid reader, she loved to share her perspective on literature with her friends in the book club. She was also a member of the Red Hat Club in Sierra Vista. 

Esther was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family above all else. She often said that raising and loving your children was a parent’s most important responsibility.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Rudy Berger; her children: Wade (Ilona) Berger, Linda (Steve Hill) Lineberger, and the Honorable Robert (Mary) Berger; six grandchildren: Sergeant Aaron Berger, Ryan Berger, Natalie Lineberger, Patrick Berger, Dr. Monica Lineberger, Chris Berger; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her elder brother, Erland Maki; and her elder sister, Elsie (Maki) Cox.

A memorial service will be held this summer in Crystal Falls, where Esther will be laid to rest among her beloved family.