Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT November 25, 2006

Obituary: Katherine A. Berger

March 14, 1940 -- Nov. 22, 2006

Katherine A. Berger, 66, of South Bend, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2006, in her home. Katherine was born on March 14, 1940, in South Bend, to Elmer and Ernestine Brothers, who preceded her in death. On June 24, 1961, she married Richard C. Graveel, who died on February 23, 1975. She married Wilfred A. Berger on June 11, 1976, who died on September 11, 1992. Also preceding her in death are her brother, Richard J. Brothers, and daughter, Kathleen Berger.

Katherine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend who cherished her family as they did her. She is survived by her nine children: Denise (Brian) VanAvermaete of Hudson, OH; Sue (Jay) Boocher of South Bend, IN; Judie (Mark) Swoverland of Avon, IN; Deborah (Bruce) Werling of Avon, IN; Michael (Jennifer) Graveel of South Bend, IN; Kris Wynn of Dayton, OH; Gail (Dan) Papczynski, Lakeville, IN; Mike (Pat) Berger of Granger, IN; Andrew Berger of Granger, IN.

She is also survived by nineteen grandchildren: Brandon and Matthew VanAvermaete; Katelyn, Jacob, Cassandra and Zachary Boocher; Joshua and Nathaniel Swoverland; Alex, Cole and Brady Werling; Evan and Nicholas Graveel; Cory Wynn; Julie and Laura Papczynski; Allen Berger; Allison and Abigail Berger.

She is survived by two sisters, Rosemary Belakovich of South Bend, IN and Sister Elaine Brothers of Mishawaka, IN and two brothers, William of Leesburg, FL and John Brothers of South Bend, IN.

Katherine enjoyed hosting many large family gatherings. puzzles, Pictionary, cross-stitch; traveling with her sisters and going "boating" were among many of her hobbies. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren's sporting events and activities. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame football. Katherine was a member of St. Jude's Parish for 30 years.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, November 26, from 1 to 7 p.m. in Palmer- Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan, South Bend. A rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, November 27, in St. Jude's Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Road at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka, IN.