Irene Veronica Berger

Irene Veronica Kessler Berger, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, passed away on March 3, 2025, in Waco, Texas. Born on January 2, 1935, in Penelope, Texas, Irene lived a life rich in love, devotion, and a deep appreciation for her family and the beauty of nature.

Irene's journey began in Penelope where she was born and attended school. She married the love of her life, Willie Joe Berger, in West, Texas, on August 27, 1955. Together, they shared 44 wonderful years of marriage until his passing. Irene was known for her nurturing spirit and had a special talent for transforming the simple pleasures of life into treasured memories through her hobbies and interests. She had a green thumb and adored gardening, cultivating vibrant flowers that brightened her surroundings. A talented cook, she was celebrated for her delicious kolaches, poppyseed being her favorite, which became a cherished treat for her family and friends. Additionally, her skills as an excellent seamstress allowed her to create clothing for her children, further demonstrating her devotion to her family.

Irene is survived by her children, Yvonne Rose Curtis and husband, John; Willie Joe Berger, Jr. and wife, Sharon; Marsha Sue Wiley; Pam Lois Hilleary and husband, Terry; and Barbara Ann Keeton and husband, Ronnie. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, including 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply. Her sister, Georgia Cassano, along with numerous nieces and nephews, also survive her, each one carrying forward the warmth and love she cultivated throughout her life.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Louis A. Kessler and Mary Ann Novak Kessler; her loving husband, Willie Joe Berger, Sr.; and her siblings, including brothers Louis, Leonard, and Frank Kessler, as well as her sister, Mary Lou Mynar and nephews, Thomas Mynar and Eddie Joe Mynar.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 6pm to 8pm at Waco Memorial Funeral Home with the Rosary to be recited at 6pm. The following day, Friday, March 7, a Liturgical Service will take place at 10am in the funeral home chapel, followed by interment at Waco Memorial Park.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at West Rest Haven for the care provided to Irene over the past 2 years. 

Serving as pallbearers are Jason Johnson, John Jacob Johnson, Billy Joe Berger, III, Cody Hilleary, John Adam Johnson, Lance Dell, Clayton Spriggs, and Isaac Joiner. Anthony Curtis, Jacob Townsley Johnson, Ricky Wiley, Scott Wiley, and Kevin Wiley are honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.