Ivan M. “Ike” Berger, 88, of Epworth, Iowa, passed away Monday, September 23, 2019 at his home in Epworth, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral home in Epworth, Iowa, where the Epworth Volunteer Fire Department will meet in a body at 6:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Thursday at the Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial for Ike will be held Thursday, September 26, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa, with Rev. James Bergin SVD presiding and Rev. Michael Schueller concelebrating. Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Epworth John White American Legion Post #650 and the Epworth Fire Department will conduct Striking the Four Fives.

Ike was born November 30, 1930 in Epworth, Iowa, son of Samuel and Violet (Boyes) Berger. On May 4, 1957 he was united in marriage to Judy Hall at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa. He was employed at the Dubuque Packing Company for 42 years, retiring in 1994. He is a Marine Corp Veteran.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Epworth, a member of the Epworth John White American Legion Post #650 and was a member of Timberline Golf Course. He was a 28 year member of the Epworth Volunteer Fire Department, for which he retired as Assistant Chief.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Berger of Epworth, IA; four children, Marty (Janet) Berger, Patti (Gary) McDermott and Thomas “Cheese” (Lisa) Berger all of Epworth, IA and Bill (LaRee Landt) Berger of Hiawatha, IA; three grandchildren, Jaime (Clayton Schuneman) Berger, Rod (Sarah) Berger and Shelby McDermott (& Spencer Wolfe); a great grandchild, Anya Schuneman; a sister, Theda (Bobby) Hall of Graf, IA; and a sister-in-law, Gayle Hall of Epworth, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings and their spouses, Norma (Clayton) Brady, Bette (Gene) Goetzinger and Art (Linda) Berger; a brother-in-law, Thomas Hall.

The family of Ike would like to thank the Epworth Fire Department, Dr. Schultheis, Dr. Engelman, the oncology nurses and staff at Medical Associates, Hospice of Dubuque, especially Scott, neighbors, friends and all of his golf buddies at Timberline Golf Course.

Memorials for Ike may be given to the Epworth Fire Department or the Epworth John White American Legion #650.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com