Jean May Berger's Obituary
Jean May McKinnon Berger, 95, of Oshkosh, passed away Sunday, August 17th surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Marinette, WI on May 1, 1930, the daughter of Shirley (Krohn) and Roy McKinnon.
Jean married Gerald J. Berger in Oshkosh Nov. 23, 1950. They had 10 children; Susan Binder, Douglas Berger (Jane), Russell Berger, Nancy Sweet (Terry), Andrew Berger (Julie), Kristi Jones (Scott), Joanne McDowell (Mark), Thomas Berger (Julie), Timothy Berger (Geovana), and Jonathan Berger. They were blessed with 22 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
Jean graduated from Oshkosh High School then attended Oshkosh State Teacher’s College. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. Though she never formally taught, she made education a priority for her children. Jean assisted her husband with his ServiceMaster business.
Jean and her husband Jerry both loved music. They met in high school band. Jean played the clarinet, tenor sax, and the bugle. Jerry played the drums. Together they instilled that love of music in all of their children. Jean was a cellist with the Oshkosh Civic Symphony for 25 years.
Jean was a life long member of Our Savior’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She believed strongly in her faith and lived it. She held various positions in WELCA. She belonged to Mary Circle, Church Council, packaged layettes, directed a children’s choir, played the bells, and was instrumental in establishing the church library. Jean was also a Camp Fire Girls’ leader and taught the girls knitting, embroidery, and sewing.
She loved reading, solving puzzles, biking, traveling, camping, playing games, get togethers at the family cottage, and riding her scooter in her later years.
A highlight for Jean was her annual trip with her 4 daughters. She loved to research different places and plan for things to do there months in advance. She always brought lots of candy for the drive.
Jean and her sister Ashlee had a strong bond. As they aged, they called each other faithfully every Friday until their hearing losses made it too difficult to converse.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her son Russell, her parents Roy and Shirley McKinnon, Step-mother-Velma McKinnon, father and mother-in-law Alfred and Mary Berger, brother and sister-in-law Alfred and Mildred Berger, and brother-in-law Ralph Sell.
Funeral services will be celebrated on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1860 Wisconsin St. Oshkosh. Visitation will be held from 9-11 followed by an 11:00 service. Pastor Connie Weiss will officiate. A private burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established and donations will be made to organizations dear to Jean’s heart.
Mom, we miss you already. You will forever be in our hearts.
What’s your fondest memory of Jean?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jean?
Share a story where Jean's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jean you’ll never forget.
How did Jean make you smile?
