Nelda Berger

Nelda Jean Berger died on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Good Samaritan Society- Auburn, Nebraska after several short illnesses. She was 95 years old.

Nelda was born Nelda Jean Shuemaker, the only child of Elmer and Jesse Shuemaker, in Auburn, Nebraska in the house where she lived the majority of her life. She attended Auburn High School and was planning on obtaining a teaching certificate. However, Nelda?s mother became sick with cancer, and Nelda took care of her until her death while her father worked. She married Arthur Berger in 1936.

Nelda worked hard as a farmer?s wife for 12 years. Their only child Richard was born in 1946. After Art was seriously injured, the family moved back into the house where Nelda was born.

Nelda was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She worked as a housewife and was also employed at the Auburn Sewing Factory. She cared for many animals, mostly strays, which she kindly took in as well as reptiles, amphibians, a skunk, wild rabbits and birds.

Nelda was baptized in the Christian Church but belonged to St Paul?s Lutheran Church most of her life. She believed in God and regularly went to services and did volunteer work until infirmity prevented her from going. She loved to visit with her neighbors and friends. They are still taking care of her cat whom is looking for a home.

Nelda liked the color green, dogs and cats, watching Andy Griffith, talking on the phone, flowers, watching birds, and growing tomatoes and rhubarb. Nelda maintained a fierce independence and quiet toughness until she died. She disliked taking her medicine, getting old and not being able to drive. She wanted to die in her own house but her increasing illnesses prevented that.

She is predeceased by her husband Arthur Berger. She is survived by her son Richard Eugene Berger, her daughter-in-law Deborah Berger, and her grandson Benjamin R. Berger. She is much missed.

The Family is very grateful to Nelda?s friends and neighbors, including Erma Debuhr, Donnita and Venneth Hendersen, Jo Ann Moerer, Cathy Berger, Janet and Tom Osborne, and all the other relatives and neighbors who made Nelda?s life happier and easier. We also want to thank Good Samaritan Society-Auburn and Nelda?s care givers at Good Sam, Nemaha County Hospital, and her doctors for their professional care and kindness to her throughout her life.

Her memorial service will be at St. Paul?s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, July 5 at 11 am, officiated by Pastor Ken Miller. A luncheon reception will follow. Remembrances are requested to be given to Tabitha Hospice, Tabitha.org/donate, or to the Dorcas Circle at St. Paul?s Lutheran Church.