Albert Paul Berger

Albert Paul Berger, age 96, peacefully entered his eternal rest on August 24, 2026, surrounded by family and accompanied by the 23rd Psalm.

Al was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Bert R. Berger and Bertha Kullman Berger on December 4, 1929. Along with his twin sisters, Emma and Anna, and his brother, Bert, he spent his early years in Chicago, where he graduated from high school in 1948. He loved ice and roller skating, swimming, working on cars, and summer trips to the family lake cabin in Crivitz, Wisconsin. In 1950, his parents moved the family to Seattle, Washington.

In March 1951, Al was called to military service. Based at Fort Lee, Virginia, he served in the Quartermaster Corps, where he was responsible for stateside supplies, logistics, and training, ultimately achieving the rank of Corporal. It was during this time that he met Sue Simmons, who would become his wife of 67 years. After his discharge, they moved back to the Seattle area and lived on a houseboat until early 1956.

During this time, Al worked at a cabinet shop, where he developed woodworking skills that led to a lifetime of crafting everything from furniture to gadgets. He then joined Boeing as a machinist. In 1955, he went to work for Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company, where he remained for 29 years. The majority of his time there was spent on the “test desk,” where he performed internal troubleshooting and assisted linemen with repairs. Back when communication was all connected by wires, he spent a lot of time on ladders helping keep information flowing. He was also on the front lines as the old analog system was converted to ESS, the new electronic switching system.

Early in 1956, Al and Sue moved into a small house in north Seattle, not far from his parents. During their nearly 40 years there, Al and Sue raised three children: Jean, Arne, and Ray. The family attended Our Savior Lutheran Church and spent many years with Al’s parents, siblings, and family friends, sharing food, fun, and time outdoors. For many years, Al made sure his family went camping during his annual vacation. These trips became a family highlight.

After the children moved on to their adult lives, Al retired from the phone company. In 1985, he and Sue moved to a small farm in Clear Lake, Washington, where he enjoyed gardening, along with raising sheep and goats and tending fruit trees. He and Sue stayed very busy with the homestead lifestyle, their church membership, and Al’s involvement with the Clear Lake Historical Society.

After leaving the farm, they moved in 2005 to a small adult community in Sedro-Woolley. In 2015, they moved to a house directly across the street from Ray and his family in Mount Vernon, Washington. Sue passed on to Jesus in 2022, and Al later moved to an assisted living community, where he made many new friends and enjoyed dessert after every meal.

Al is survived by his three children, Jean Wilcox, Arne Berger, and Ray Berger, and their families, as well as nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His passing will leave a great absence in all their lives.

A memorial service is being planned for spring 2027 in Mount Vernon, Washington. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Al’s memory are encouraged to consider one of the charities he supported: Disabled American Veterans or Love INC of Skagit County.

Please share your memories of Al with the family by signing the online guest register.