We are sorry we couldn't be with you to celebrate Jeff's life. With the current virus situation and our ages we decided it best to avoid other people. We remember Jeff especially through the boy's 4-H experiences. He was always so supportive in all their activities. We sympathize with you as you lived through an ALS diagnosis. Emmett's brother had it a number of years ago and it is devastating. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Emmett and Mary Stevermer

Feeling a lot of love for my brother who was always so meticulous in his research, and caring for his family and colleagues. He was concerned up to the very last about being informed and sharp about what was happening in genetics, history, and the current moment. Jeff LOVED going to a coffee shop, when he was still mobile, in pursuit of the best coffee cuppa, with friends, fellow researches and family, to hang out and talk. He was an international scholar, but also an American historian who appreciated the culture and lore of Iowa with true pride. He and his family biked along the old railways amidst the corn fields, canoed the lazy rivers alongside Holstein cows, and cross-country-skied the cold, snow capped fields. With Fran, together they kept and keep a verdant prairie garden of vegetables and flowers pollinated by honey bees.

When Jeff left for college at Delaware Valley in Doylestown, Pennsylvania (around 1960) he left behind a bedroom filled with what seemed to his remaining teen and pre-teen sisters, an archeological site to which we finally had access. Blue/green Irish tartan plaid curtains, bookshelves filled with carefully annotated books (tabs for just about every page in a Spanish learning language book), but also, carefully recorded notes about the costs of his animal husbandry at the neighboring farm of Oren Cleaves, in the small barn in our backyard, and in his work in 4-H.

To me, Jeff always seemed very grown up. This is only one small portrait. Jeff's portrait is so much fuller, as his son, daughter, wife and sisters can attest!!

The Bergers were the best neighbors one could have these many years.

I, Ken Vliet, have good memories of Jeff Berger, a classmate at North Hunterdon High School in Flemington New Jersey. We spent 4 years together in Vocational Agriculture program there. We usually ate lunch together every day. Jeff was president of our 1961 Senior Class. On our class trip to Washington, DC, he did us proud by sneaking out after 9 pm curfew and buying food for myself and our 2 buddies Glen Sliker and Ron Batson. Jeff got caught and the chaperones at our food. I am so glad to have continued our friendship for all these years. Our deepest sympathy to Fran, Sarah and Phillip from Annette & Ken.

I am grateful that I got to know Professor Berger while taking CyRide red route to campus each day. He always had a good story, perfect advice, and a smile that just helped the world shine a bit more. I know that he loved his work at Iowa State - and especially loved his family. My prayers out to you all and all who knew him - Peace, Laura Bestler

Dear Frances Ann and Family, We’re sorry to hear of Jeff’s fight with ALS. And I’m very saddened to hear of the sorrow the family has been going through. It tough as my dad suffered for 10 years with it. Jeff’s resting in Gods hands now . My prayers with you and your family. Love Don and Jackie

Sarah & Philip, so sorry to hear about your father's passing.

I am so sorry to hear about Jeff. For years, we rode the same bus to, and often from, work. He always had something kind to say. He’d light up with a smile, and we would have a lovely conversation. He was such a good man.

Jeff was a wonderful, kind, and thoughtful instructor, adviser and friend. I recall many times sitting in his office while a graduate student, never ever being told that he was too busy to help you right now. He always had time for students. I fondly remember Jeff and Fran opening their home to my family for a reception following my graduation from graduate school. Scores of other graduate students could share similar stories. My sincere condolences to the family. He will be missed by so many.

If you look in the dictionary for the meaning of gentleman or gentle man, both should include a picture of Jeff. He always had a smile, always greeted you warmly whether you had last seem him five minutes ago or five years ago. Never a frown, always a smile. Always ready to lend a hand or offer a suggestion, no matter how small or large the request. The world is a darker place with him no longer in it. My deepest sympathy to Fran, Sarah and Phillip.
David Kelley