Dale Berger Jr.

R. (Raymond) Dale Berger, Jr., aged 79, went home to his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, May 28, 2018. 

He recently came to know Jesus and was saved by grace through faith.  We rejoice knowing that he received God’s gift of salvation and now spends eternity with Him.

He was a 3rd generation Chevrolet dealer in Grand Rapids, MI, starting at age 15.  After graduating from East Grand Rapids High School and General Motors Institute, he began a successful career at Berger Chevrolet with his grandfather, dad and brother, a tradition that continues with his son and grandson.  

He was instrumental in moving his father’s Chevrolet dealership from Lake Drive to 28th Street doubling the business nearly overnight.  Because of his passion for performance cars and racing, he introduced the dealership to the muscle-car, high-performance and wholesale parts businesses.

He was forced to find a hobby due to health conditions at age 42.  This led to a renewed interest in model trains—one that began as a small boy.  He became a Lionel train collector and enthusiast, attending trade shows, traveling by train, and building a large train layout in his home.    

He enjoyed summers boating in Grand Haven and Harbor Springs.  He delighted in planning his EGR high school class of 1956 reunions.  He appreciated long rides on his lawn tractor, fine dining, Dam Site fried chicken, family dinners, spoiling and teasing his grandchildren, and more recently spending time with his wife at their lake house in Manistee.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, K. Lynne “Dinny” Berger, his parents, K. Gretchen Berger, R. Dale Sr. (Vivian) Berger, his sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Thomas White, his niece, Jackie White, his parents-in-law, Dorothy and Max Ludlow.

He will be greatly missed by his spouse of 10 years, Sue (Denker), his son, Matthew (Shari) Berger, his daughter, Jody (Ralph) Faulkner, his grandchildren, Tyler (Jami) Berger, Macey Berger, Morgan Berger, and Travis Faulkner.  He is also survived by his brother, William (Linda) Berger of Florida, niece, Tara Cardella, nephew, W. Tad (Ellie) Berger, his nephew, Thomas White, his brother-in-law, William Ludlow, and close family friend, Beth Van Zytveld.    

Friends will be received from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life service immediately following at 1:00 pm.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Community Church, 6175 Northland Dr. NE. Rockford, MI  49341

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