Joseph Berger, 75, of Columbia, died Friday, April 1, 2016. Born May 29, 1940, in New Salem, North Dakota, he was a son of the late Kasper V. Berger and Pauline Weber Berger.

A member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, he served on the church council, was an active member of Lutheran Men, and volunteered in other various ministries. He also volunteered at the Washington Street United Methodist Church Soup Cellar Ministry and was a member of Sandlappers AACA.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Sharon Berger; sons, Rocky (Jan) Berger and Bart (Anna) Berger; three grandchildren, Caroline, Kaitlyn and Michael. Also surviving are brother, Al Berger; sisters, Clara Wuertz, Mae Steele, Virginia Jones and Susie Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters.

The funeral service for Mr. Berger will be held 2:30 o'clock, Thursday, April 7th, at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church with Pastor John P. Trump officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1 o'clock. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SC Lutheran Men in Missions in care of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 1416 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.