Berger as remembered by Susan Strothmann Brooks

The Strothmann family

Later is a short reflection Susan  contributed!  Susan was one of a number of people that Berger shaped and readied for the world.

You must ask her which young man is her dad in the picture when she is here for the bicentennial.

Interspersed are more pictures from her collection and there is a relatively current picture of her is you continue on down.

Thank you, Susan, for all this Berger history!

Berger according to Susie Strothmann! aka Susan Brooks

I grew up in Berger, Mo during the 50's and 60's.  Berger was the typical small town where everyone knew each other and greeted each other.  Since my parents, Willie and Vic, operated Strothmann's Store,  I met and greeted all who might come to the store to buy groceries.  My friends lived nearby and we played together at each others homes, the woods, barns, Mill Hill, and/or Berger bottom.  We were free to run around, ride our bikes, and have fun.  We participated in community events the Commercial Club's Christmas tree program with Santa, Christmas caroling, church picnics, Legion Park dances.  I was able to work in the store, candle eggs, hide Easter eggs, deliver newspapers, sell poppies for Memorial Day, celebrate "Armistice Day" with WWI veterans and be a kid.  It was great to grow up in Berger!!

I fondly remember the people of Berger who were important to me and were my neighbors.  I miss visiting with them when I return to Berger.  (Although I still visit with them at the cemetery) . Each one provided a unique experience for me.  Mrs. Florence Strobel, George, Freda  and Delores Bade, Doc and Maude Trail, LuElla and Buck South, Elmer and Emma Stopelmann, Nelson and Selma South, Spitz and Janet Lerbs, Judy and Ike Lerbs, Ralph and Ella Schmidt, Lon and Sophie Juedeman, Lloyd and Leola Haid, Anne and Mel Tugel, Selma and Gus Dieterle, Lorene Rathert, Paul and Claudine Blumer, Roy and Permelia Strothmann, Elmer Meyer, Annie Speckhals, Dugan and Shirley Speckhals, The Kempers, Pauline Strothmann, Oscar and Katie Meyer, Alfred and Lorene Eggert, Delvin Juedeman, Miss Norma and Irene Drewell, Mr and Mrs Bell, Archie and Betty Willimann, Ed and Liz Scego, Adolph Noedel, and the  Purdy kids were among those fondly remembered and important to me.  My friends Arlene and Clifford Klutt, Rosalind and Kay Schmidt, Rosie Scego, Sharon and Diane Adams, Willa Kemper, Janeial Eggert, Fern Willimann, Donna Maczuk, Dianne Alberswerth, Sue Traschel, Virgil Willimann, Ronnie Oetterer, Bob Krattli, Wayne Scheer and Norbert LaBoube.  We were "The Berger Kids" who played and went to school together.  We still call ourselves this when we get together. 

I enjoy coming "home" to Berger remembering it as it was in those days.  Berger has changed over the years.  I pray it will continue to be a warm and safe haven for people and kids in the future as it was for me.   Susan (Susie Strothmann) Brooks

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