John E. Berger, 76, of Elizabethtown, formerly of Harrisburg, died peacefully on August 11, 2015 at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. He was the loving husband of Ann (Kunsman) Berger for the past 42 years. Born in Hamburg, PA, he was the son of the late Ralph H. and Helen (Rentschler) Berger, and a Dad to his furry friend, Snickers. John was a graduate of Hamburg High School, Penn State University and earned his MBA from Bloomsburg University.
A retired CPA, John worked for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) from 1996 to 2006. Prior to this, he was employed by Woolrich, Inc., where he was Chief Internal Auditor from 1979 to 1994, Concannon CPA firm, Bethlehem, and the Auditor General’s Office of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
John was a member and former Treasurer of the Lower Paxton Lions Club and recently was awarded the Melvin Jones fellowship. He was also a member of LaBelle Vallee Lodge #232 F&AM, Jersey Shore, PA, Zembo Shrine of Harrisburg, and past President and Treasurer of the Lock Haven Shrine Club of the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona. John joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1992 and served as Worthy Patron of Rowena Chapter #275 for many years and most recently as Worthy Patron of Elizabethtown Chapter #407. He was delighted to serve on many committees, including the Grand Chapter Finance Committee. In 2003, John served as Grand Sentinel; and in 2010, he served as Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, where he supported the children of the Masonic Village and service dogs for our Veterans, leaving paw prints on our hearts. He will be remembered as a proud American who served his country in the United States Air Force.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister, Rose Marie Dove (Larry) of Bethel, PA. He was predeceased by three brothers, Clair, David and Karl.
A Memorial Service will be held in Brossman Ballroom of the Freemason Cultural Center, Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, PA on Saturday, August 22, 2015. John was a member of Sell Chapel. Interment in the Sell Chapel Columbarium will be private.
Friends and relatives will be received in the Brossman Ballroom from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Eastern Star service will be held at 11:00 AM followed by the Memorial Service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, O.E.S., 105 Freemason Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, for the benefit of the Masonic Village Children’s Home.