Clifford Frederick Berger (Anokasan) White Headed Eagle passed peacefully on March 30, 2019 surrounded by family in Billings, Montana.
Clifford was born February 16, 1957 to Lorraine and Clifford Berger. He grew up in Wolf Point, Montana and attended Wolf Point High school. After high school he went to Missoula, Montana and attended Culinary School and worked part time on the Oil rigs with his Uncle Gunny and was also a teachers aide to pay for his schooling.
After moving back to Wolf Point in 1977 he met Sheryl Strauser and they were married in September 1978. During this time he worked again on the oil rigs with his brother- in- law William Strauser JR. He also drove water truck for his father- in- law William Strauser SR. He started at Spotted Bull Treatment Center then transferred to TLU, working over 28 years for The Fort Peck Tribes, until his health declined.
Clifford’s passion in life were his children, grand children, and his great grand daughter Harper, whom he loved and adored. Family was everything to him. He was always busy and very particular about everything he did. Whether at work or at home he always put himself last. He was a very humble and quiet man. This illness took a toll on him as he always wanted to be outside either hunting, fishing or watching his grandsons at a sporting event.
He Sun Danced for many years in the Chelsea Area where he met many wonderful individuals. He loved to attend sweats and just visit everyone, or help out where ever he could.
Clifford is survived by wife Sheryl of 41 years, children Jeff (Missy) Berger, Lana (Whitney) Berger. Grand children, Jeffrey (Alana) Berger JR, Jacob Berger, Landin Berger. Great grand-daughter Harper Berger. Adopted children, Elmer Flying Horse, Aaron Cruz, Latoya Lambert. Aunts Ginny LaRoche of Billings, Bonnie Doney and Sandra Berger of Great Falls. Uncle Elmer Davis. Brothers Joe Berger, Pierre Berger, William (Lori) Berger. Sisters, Connie (David) Lambert, Carol Hentges, Lesley (Les) Martin-Left Hand. Adopted Sisters Karen Dubois, Tracey Garfield, Joy Toavs, Faith Yanez. Adopted Brothers Albert Foote, Tommy Christain. And numerous nieces and nephews. Special family friend Royal Houg. And the family dog Charlie Berger who kept him company every day whether he liked it or not.
Clifford is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Lorraine, and Adopted parents Dan and Barbara Garfield. Grandmothers Sarah Davis and Elizabeth Berger, Niece Reanna Lambert, Very Special brother Calvin Red Thunder, and Ronald and Duane Garfield.
Clifford you fought a hard long battle with your illness and I was there every step of the way. Just know we love you dearly and we will miss you. You went out your way, your famous saying “If I had it my way.” Love you!
“Grief never ends..But it changes. Its a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weak, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love. “