Eugen Paul Berger

Berger, Eugen P.

Eugen Paul Berger, fondly known to family and friends as “Gene”, passed away on October 7, 2019 at Palmilla Senior Living Retirement Home in Albuquerque, NM due to complications of dementia.

“Family; Webster defines this word as, “the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children.”  However, family is not just a word or a definition.  Family means community, loyalty, commitment and love. 

In the Berger family, Eugen taught everyone the true MEANING of family.  He worked hard to put food on the table.  Although his job with the railroad caused him to work long hours, often far away from home, he still found time to spend with his family.  Eugen also found ways to teach his family valuable lessons about life so that they could be successful.  Eugen always wanted what was best for those that he loved. 

Eugen was a loyal husband, a devoted father and he took part in the community, helping others.  He loved his family dearly and was always there for them.  He will be missed.  However, as long as he remains in our hearts, he is never truly gone.”

Born May 15, 1930, he was the first of four sons born to August and Eugenia Berger.  Gene, who was born and grew up in the McGaffey and Gallup area, graduated from Cathedral High School in 1949.  Gene was also a proud veteran of the Korean War.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, August and Eugenia Berger, his first wife and mother of his children, Gerda Cunz Berger and his second wife, Lois Marinsek Berger.

Gene will be forever remembered by his sons, Ralph and his wife Debbie of Rio Rancho NM, Christopher and his wife Jessica of Payson, AZ and Gabriele Russell of Grand Junction CO, his five grandchildren, Stephanie, Pamela, Stephen, Taylor and Christopher, as well as his three great-grandsons, Ivan, Nikolai and Easton.  His brothers, Edward Berger and his wife Sue of Gallup NM, Laurence Berger and his wife Diana of Gallup NM and Robert Berger and his wife Yvonne of Ogden UT and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. with the mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, 415 E. Green Ave, Gallup NM.

Interment will take place at 1:00 pm following mass at Gallup State Veterans Cemetery, 333 National Cemetery Drive, Gallup NM.

The family invites everyone to join us for a Celebration of Life immediately following interment at Sacred Heart Cathedral Family Center, 415 E. Green Ave, Gallup NM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1900 Mark Ave. Gallup NM, 87301.

The family would like to thank the Memory Care staff at Palmilla Senior Living Retirement Home as well as Heartland Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Gene.Berger