Joyce M. Berger

Joyce was born July 16, 1932 in Helena, Ohio, a daughter of Roy and Giulia (Wertz) Pember. Upon graduation from Gibsonburg High School, Joyce joined the workforce as a bookkeeper and then a comptometer operator. Her childhood dream of marrying a Lutheran farmer came true in 1956, when she married Carl Berger.

They crop farmed in Ohio until 1970 when Carl and Joyce moved, with their five children, to the “Battle Hill Farm” outside of Dewittville, N.Y., to build a dairy farm. Throughout their life together, Joyce and Carl raised their family and worked together on the farm. Upon retiring from their dairy, they built a new home from scratch using the wood from the farm.

Joyce was active with St. Mark Lutheran Church for 50 years. She served in the Martha Society and furnished many baked goods for the after-service Coffee Hour. Her chicken and noodles were a hit at many church potlucks.

Joyce had the biggest servant heart. She crocheted baby blankets for her grandchildren. She sewed lap robes for auctions to support missions. She sewed COVID masks for many friends and family. Joyce’s brown eggs were enjoyed by many friends throughout her life.

Joyce is survived by her five children: Chuck (Kyle) Berger of Willingboro N.J,. Jean Berger of Helena Ohio, Amy (Robert) Huston of Hudson, Ohio, Sheryl (Jeff) Ridgley of Lebanon, Ohio, and Mary Kay (Randy) Atlas of Buffalo, N.Y.; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Carl; parents; sisters: June and Polly; and one grand-daughter.

Joyce’s greatest accomplishment in this life was living out her Christian Faith and witnessing the Grace of our Lord Jesus. She has left behind many good friends and neighbors who have been instrumental in keeping her in the home she built with Carl until her last day on this earth. This was a blessing to her children, and we are eternally grateful for all the love and support they provided Joyce during the time she was here on this earth without her beloved Carl.

A memorial service will be held in July of 2021 at St Mark Lutheran Church in Mayville. The date and time will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the St. Mark Lutheran Church, Mayville NY (20 East Marvin Street, Mayville, NY 14757).

Arrangements are by the Freay Funeral Home.

You may leave a remembrance by going to www. freayfurneralhome.com.