John J. Berger, 76, of Carroll, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Journey Senior Services in Carroll.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Lawrence Church – St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll. Celebrant will be Father Patrick Behm. Mass servers will include Harrison Carzoli. Music will be provided by Kathy Halbur and Sherry Loughran. Lectors for the Funeral Mass will be Julie Lueth and Sherry Greteman. Gift Bearers are John’s Grandchildren. Honorary Casket Bearers are Gerald Berger, Kevin Warner, Howard Paul and Max Stall. Casket Bearers are Melvin Berger, Michael Berger, Dale Berger, Dylan Berger, Dawson Berger and James Halbur. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll with Military Honors conducted by the Carroll American Legion.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with a Christian Wake Service at 7 p.m. The casket will be moved to St. Lawrence Church on Friday morning where additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for John’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
John Joseph Berger, age 76 of Carroll, Iowa was born May 19, 1949, to parents Othmar and Marita (Huegerich) Berger in Carroll, Iowa
As a kid, he grew up on a farm outside of Arcadia and also attended grade school there. John graduated from Kuemper Catholic High School in 1967. After High School, John attended Lincoln Tech in Des Moines for a short time before proudly serving his country in the United States Army from January 1969-October 1971. He served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. Following his military service, John continued his education at DMACC earning an Associates of Arts degree in business administration in 1979.
John dedicated many years to his work, beginning at Heider Manufacturing in Carroll from 1972-1977. He then worked at General Electric in Carroll for 19 years, followed by 18 years at Pella Corp and retired in 2014.
He was a proud member of the American Legion for over 50 years as well as the VFW and the Knights of Columbus.
On June 27, 1975, John was united in marriage to Janis (Halbur) at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Together they shared nearly 45 years of marriage and were blessed with three children: Sheila Holm of Des Moines, Karla (Christopher) Van Roekel of Glidden and Matthew (Amy) Berger of Ankeny, Iowa.
John was a devoted Grandfather to nine grandchildren: Keisha Holm, Hannah Messerich, Karson Holm, Emma Messerich, Clare Messerich, Dylan Berger, Kayden Holm, Dawson Berger and Kamryn Holm.
He enjoyed spending his free time going on trips with his wife Janis, countless hours tinkering in his beloved workshop, repairing Snapper lawn mowers, visits from the grandkids and volunteering his time at Swan Lake and other small non-profit organizations.
John is known for his strong work ethic, willingness to help others, and dedication to his family and community.
In addition to his children and grandchildren, John is survived by his siblings: Dale (Jolene) Berger of Arcadia; Gerald (Diane) Berger of Arcadia; Michael (Linda) Berger of Arcadia; Melvin (Laurie) Berger of Westside; Jolene (Howard Paul) Berger of Arizona; Barb (Kevin) Warner of Carroll; Karen Berger of Arcadia and Jane (Max Stall) Berger of Lytton; a sister-in-law Sherry (Joe) Greteman of Carroll, a brother-in-law James (Kitty) Halbur of Carroll, and many extended relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Janis; his parents Othmar & Marita Berger; his sister Marlene Origer; a nephew Jason Berger; Janis’ parents Leonard and Darlene Halbur and brothers-in-law Joseph Halbur and John Halbur.
