Roll Call Tribute

(Posted in) The Schulenburg Sticker (on) March 26, 2019

Eugene (Gene) J. Berger

March 15, 1944 - March 13, 2019

Eugene (Gene) J. Berger, 74, of Schulenburg, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

Gene was born in Hallettsville on March 15, 1944, the son of Alvin and Freida (Berger) Berger. He married Carol Hrncir on Aug. 15, 1965 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg. Gene graduated from Bishop Forest High School in 1962 and Texas A&M University in 1966. He worked for the United States Department of Agriculture for 18 years, taking him to Virginia, Alabama and New Mexico. He then returned to Texas to begin his next career as owner of Hrncir Oil Co. for 17 years. Ultimately, in retirement, he took up ranching full-time. Taking care of his cattle was the highlight of his life.

Gene’s activities were many – from coaching players ages 4-40, serving on the Sports Complex Committee, former president of Southern Youth Baseball League, and a caller at bingo. He was a devout member of St. Rose Catholic Church, and served as a Eucharistic Minister and Usher. He held offices in the Knights of Columbus from treasurer, Grand Knight of the 3rd Degree, and Faithful Navigator of 4th Degree. He was an officer in Friends for Catholic Education, spirited supporter of St. Rose School and helped out at the Schulenburg Area Food Pantry. In general, if someone asked, he would be there.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Carol; son, Paul Berger and his wife Debbie of College Station; daughter, Kristen Kubenka and her husband Dale of College Station; and four grandchildren: Danielle Berger of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Kyle Berger of Norman, Oklahoma, Kendall Berger of Nacogdoches, and Renee Berger of College Station.

Visitation was held on Friday, March 15, 2019, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. led by Fr. Tim Kosler and the Knights of Columbus.

Funeral services were held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. with Fr. Tim Kosler officiating, followed by entombment at the St. Rose Mausoleum. Pallbearers were his nephews, Aaron Berger, Chris Berger, Ryan Berger, Patrick Berger, Travis Berger, Matthew Berger and Keith Kulhanek.

Memorials may be made to St. Rose Catholic Church or St. Rose Catholic School.
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Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home services notice
701 South Main Street
Schulenburg, Texas 78956
Phone: (979) 743-4151
Fax: (979) 743-4213

Eugene J Berger
March 15, 1944 - March 13, 2019

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 2 pm from the St. Rose Catholic Church in Schulenburg, Texas.

Visitation will begin to the public after 5 pm on Friday, March 15, with the Parish and Knights of Columbus rosaries to be recited at 7 pm from the Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home in Schulenburg.

Entombment will be in the St. Rose Catholic Mausoleum in Schulenburg, Texas.

Survivors include: wife-Carol Berger of Schulenburg; daughter-Kristen Kubenka/husband-Dale of College Station; son-Paul Berger/wife-Debbie of College Station; sister-Marilyn Mares/husband-Frank of Schulenburg; brothers-Alvin Berger, Jr./wife-Maxine of Houston; Harlan Berger/wife-Beth of Houston; Clinton Berger/wife-Betty of Overland Park, Kansas, and Douglas Berger/wife-Sheryl of Weimar; and 4 grandchildren.