Geneva J. (Wagener) Berger 

April 28, 1926 - Sept. 30, 2011
FT. WAYNE - Geneva J. Berger, 85, of Ft. Wayne, died Friday, September 30, 2011. She was born on April 28, 1926, in South Bend, Ind.

She graduated from Riley High School in South Bend, studied piano privately and at the LaSalle School of Music in South Bend, with additional piano studies at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. She also attended Purdue University.

She was an accomplished pianist and church organist and taught both instruments for several years. She served as a church organist for more than 35 years (Dunlap UMC, West Lafayette St. Andrew's UMC, and Aldersgate UMC) and also worked with handbell choirs and vocal choirs, having started the handbell program at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Ft. Wayne. She and her husband traveled extensively through the years and were privileged to travel literally around the world, as well as extensive travel in the United States and Canada.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Rev. Dr. Hilbert J. Berger; son, Rev. Daniel (Kelly) Berger of Lafayette, Ind.; daughter, Rebecca (Terry) Zarnik of LaBelle, Fla.; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son, Thomas, two sisters, and her parents.

Memorials may be made to First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, Ft. Wayne; Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Ft. Wayne; or to the Bethune-Cookman College Chorale, Daytona Beach, Fla. Service is 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011 at First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne Street, with calling an hour prior. Rev. Greg Enstrom and Rev. Jake Fisher officiating. Calling also from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Oct. 2, 2011.

06/18/2023 EJS

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