Philip Lee Berger, 83

Following a successful surgery, recovery was difficult and he passed from this life into the hands of God on March 12, 2020. Phil was born December 7, 1936 to Lily Berger-Brash and Philip Snow Berger in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The family moved to the Great Falls area, and at age 11 they moved to Whitefish where he completed school.

He worked as a mechanic at Hendrickson Motors and Manions in Kalispell. He moved his family to Seattle and went to work at Boeing. After moving back to Kalispell he owned and operated Trend Coiffure’s Hair Salon. He spent most of his life as a building contractor. He built his first home for his family in 1962 and discovered his passion, which sparked his desire to enter into the construction business. He earned a great reputation building beautiful, high-quality homes around the Flathead Valley until he retired. He obtained his pilot’s license for small aircrafts and enjoyed many great adventures.

He married Dorothy Hader on April 1, 1956 (April Fools’ Day….interesting date) and had four children. He is survived by wife Dorothy, daughters: Debbie Bosley (Rob), Cheryl Morgan (Wayne), Denise Michel (Garret), all of Kalispell, son Dennis Berger of Littleton, Colorado; eleven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren and brother Richard Berger (Jordy) of Whitefish and many nieces and nephews.

Some of the biggest loves of his life were his many Boston Bull pups that graced his life throughout his retirement years.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lily Brash and Philip Snow Berger, brother David Berger and sister Darlene Berger-Bothman.

Because of his great love for animals, memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of NW Montana.

At his request, no service will be held. A private family gathering will be held to celebrate his life at a later date.