Dorothy "Jean" Berge

Dorothy "Jean" Berge, age 96, of Battle Creek died Friday morning, March 16, 2018 at the PineView Assisted Living at NorthPointe Woods. She was born in Battle Creek on October 11, 1921, to Roy and Grace Wiegand. Jean graduated from Battle Creek Central High School with the Class of 1940 and continued her education at Argubright Business College.

Jean married Kenneth H. Berge Sr. at the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek on September 6, 1942; he sadly preceded her in death after more than 48 years on November 21, 1990. They had three children.

Jean worked at Sullivan's Ice Cream Parlour, the Bijou Theatre, Michigan Bell, Eaton Corp., and Pearse Realty. She and Ken were co-owners of the Goguac Marina for many years.

Jean was a member of the First Congregational Church. She enjoyed playing golf, cross-country skiing, reading, playing Bridge, sewing, knitting, and doing oil paintings. Jean also enjoyed volunteering, and served as a Camp Fire leader, receptionist at Burnham Brook, and helped in her daughter's classroom at Doris Klaussen Developmental Center. She loved animals, especially cats and dogs. While at NorthPointe Woods, Jean loved having the dogs visit her, and especially enjoyed their "kisses".

Jean is survived by her daughter, Carol Berge of Battle Creek; and several nieces & nephews. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Steven Alan Berge in 1951, Kenneth Harold Berge Jr. in 2002; and her sister, Arlene Grace Holder.

A visitation will be held 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 22nd at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where funeral services to celebrate Jean's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 23rd. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials directed to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan or P.A.W.S would be appreciated. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Jean may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.