Clifford Frederick Berger (Anokasan) White Headed Eagle passed peacefully on March 30, 2019 surrounded by family in Billings, Montana.
Clifford was born February 16, 1957 to Lorraine and Clifford Berger. He grew up in Wolf Point, Montana and attended Wolf Point High school. After high school he went to Missoula, Montana and attended Culinary School and worked part time on the Oil rigs with his Uncle Gunny and was also a teachers aide to pay for his schooling.
After moving back to Wolf Point in 1977 he met Sheryl Strauser and they were married in September 1978. During this time he worked again on the oil rigs with his brother- in- law William Strauser JR. He also drove water truck for his father- in- law William Strauser SR. He started at Spotted Bull Treatment Center then transferred to TLU, working over 28 years for The Fort Peck Tribes, until his health declined.
Clifford’s passion in life were his children, grand children, and his great grand daughter Harper, whom he loved and adored. Family was everything to him. He was always busy and very particular about everything he did. Whether at work or at home he always put himself last. He was a very humble and quiet man. This illness took a toll on him as he always wanted to be outside either hunting, fishing or watching his grandsons at a sporting event.
He Sun Danced for many years in the Chelsea Area where he met many wonderful individuals. He loved to attend sweats and just visit everyone, or help out where ever he could.
Clifford is survived by wife Sheryl of 41 years, children Jeff (Missy) Berger, Lana (Whitney) Berger. Grand children, Jeffrey (Alana) Berger JR, Jacob Berger, Landin Berger. Great grand-daughter Harper Berger. Adopted children, Elmer Flying Horse, Aaron Cruz, Latoya Lambert. Aunts Ginny LaRoche of Billings, Bonnie Doney and Sandra Berger of Great Falls. Uncle Elmer Davis. Brothers Joe Berger, Pierre Berger, William (Lori) Berger. Sisters, Connie (David) Lambert, Carol Hentges, Lesley (Les) Martin-Left Hand. Adopted Sisters Karen Dubois, Tracey Garfield, Joy Toavs, Faith Yanez. Adopted Brothers Albert Foote, Tommy Christain. And numerous nieces and nephews. Special family friend Royal Houg. And the family dog Charlie Berger who kept him company every day whether he liked it or not.
Clifford is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Lorraine, and Adopted parents Dan and Barbara Garfield. Grandmothers Sarah Davis and Elizabeth Berger, Niece Reanna Lambert, Very Special brother Calvin Red Thunder, and Ronald and Duane Garfield.
Clifford you fought a hard long battle with your illness and I was there every step of the way. Just know we love you dearly and we will miss you. You went out your way, your famous saying “If I had it my way.” Love you!
“Grief never ends..But it changes. Its a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weak, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love. “
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Sunday April 7, 2019
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 8, 2019
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Sunday April 7, 2019
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 8, 2019
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Gina Youpee says
Prayers to family..
Fred McGeshick, Jr. says
Clifford Berger and I grew up together the Southside of WP. I remember like it was yesterday hanging out a lot and talking late it the evening while is mom cooked and his Dad coming home from work. We were very good friends running around WP chasing the sun. Condolences to Clifford’s family and children. Rest in peace brother!
Verbena savior jackson says
Sheryl, my deepest sympathy to you and family. God bless and keep you thru this time.
Verbena savior jackson says
Sheryl, prayers for you and family .
Kristine Danielsclark says
Condolences to Sheryl and all of Cliffs family
Jackie Hippe says
Sheryl, Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Dethman says
Sheryl, Jeff and Lana and family. My heart aches for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Darlyn Grainger says
Sheryl, Jeffrey, Lana and families. Condolences go out to all the families during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with yu all. God Bless You All
Shari Daniels says
My sincere condolences to your family.
Michelle Trottier says
Condolences to your family Sheryl. May he rest in eternal peace. Prayers of comfort for your family.
PAUL DELONG says
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY!
Debra Mason says
I was Clifford’s classmate in highscool.May he rest in peace.condolences to the families.
Rita Weeks says
Condolences to Sheryl and family. Prayers for all Cliff’s family.
Rose Morsette says
Sending prayers Sheryl.for strength to help you and the family at this time .
Dave Beaudry says
Condolences sympathy and prayer for the family of Clifford. May you rest in peace. Lots of laughs and teasing from you in my younger days. Alot of Good memories of you growing up in wolfpoint. You always were a good man and back in the day always around my brothers growing up. I had much respect for you. It’s so sad to hear of your passing May God give you rest now.
Traci LeVay-Holt says
My condolences to the family of Cliff. It was an honor working with him when we were employed by SBTC. He had a great sense of humor and knowledgeable of many things. He was a good man and well respected. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Al Bets His Medicine says
Sheryl and family, I was saddened to hear of Cliffs passing. I worked with him at Spotted Bull and he was very meticulous in his work and I enjoyed our banter every now and then when I worked there. I will keep you and your family in prayer. My condolences.
Chrissy Brown says
I’m so sorry , Clifford was a good man. May he Rest In Peace. Prayers for the family. Sheryl my thoughts are with you.
Donna Black Dog says
My prayers Sheryl and family. Cliff was a good person. I remember his jokes and serious ness at SBTC. He was will be misssd by all who knew him. Prayers for comfort and strength during this sad time.
Jonny BearCub says
Sending thoughts of comfort and prayers your way as you bid farewell a joyous journey to Clifford as he leaves our World for Paradise.
Vicki Bisbee says
Sheryl so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family
David Campbell says
Cliff, I will carry a part of you with me forever…around-1972/73 upstairs, your family home above the laundry mat, you put a tattoo on my arm, every day I see it and remember you in our youth, it was an awesome journey my brother, till we meet again, this tattoo will remind me of you, thank you for a wonderful young brotherhood..
Evetta Two Bulls says
Sheryl and family,
Sending my heartfelt condolences😔
Janell Hopkins says
Sheryl and family my condolences and prayers. I worked with Cliff at SBTC for 11 years and before that grew up in the same town. He was a good friend and co-worker. He loved a good joke and had a good sense of humor. He was also a hard worker and totally devoted to his wife and family. Rest In Peace Cliff you will missed by many.
Blossom Longee says
Dear Sheryl,
Im so sorry to hear of Clifford’s passing. May he now rest in peace. My sincere condolences to you and the family. May god wrap his hands around you all and give you all the strength you need at this time. Ill be praying for you my dear friend.
Pr. Chris Holler-Dinsmore says
Jeff and family, Deepest condolences for the loss of your father and grandfather. May the love of the creator and the love and care of friends and family bring healing to your hearts. You are upheld in prayer.
Brenda says
I’m sorry to hear of Clifford’s passing. He was a classmate I thought a lot of. Condolences to his family.
Calinda says
My heart is with your family! He was always kind to me, as you all were! Love you all.
PAULETTE R RUIZ says
This is my cousin we lost touch many years back after the death of his Mother my aunt Lynn as we called her Would love to get to know the rest of his family and mine… Please if possible pass this on to Connie Pierre It would be wonderful I am under FB as Paulette Renae Ruiz Please could someone contact me anyone from the family Thank you greatly
Janice Preuss says
My heart is heavy as I read of my cousins passing. Clifford came to Oregon when my dad, Peter Davis was near death. Went to a sweat lodge to pray for him. My dad came home and was able to have him in our lives for a few more months. I remember so many fun times playing at my grandmothers house with all my cousins. A time long gone. Rest in peace dear cousin. Many prayers for your family.