Joseph Kenneth "Ken" Berger

Ken was born in Toronto, Canada on May 2, 1940, where he was raised by his parents, Peter Berger and Marie Beriault Berger, along with his two brothers, Gordon Berger and Brian Berger.

In 1960, Ken married Sylvia M. Jannett. They were blessed with two children, Dana-Marie Berger Lee and John Paul Berger. Subsequently, they added four grandchildren, Mitchell Lee, Savanna Lee, Lila Berger and Whittaker Berger. In 1970, the family moved to Louisville, KY.

After a very successful career in data processing (now called I.T.) in Toronto, and 2 years at PNC Bank in Louisville, KY, Ken switched to Retail Banking. He was promoted to Vice President, Branch Administration in 1975. He graduated from the University of Louisville in 1976 with a BS in Finance and from Stonier Graduate School of Banking in 1978.

Divorced in 1986, Ken moved to Homestead, Fl as Vice President and Branch Administrator with Community Bank of South Florida. He met Marlene K. Porter who was Sr. VP of Human Resources, and they were married in 1988. With the marriage came 3 stepsons Philip, Jeffrey, and Michael. He was later blessed with 2 grandsons, Cody and Kyle.

As a community activist, he served on the board of numerous charitable and civic organizations. He was Chairman of the Military Affairs Committees for the South Miami Chamber of Commerce and for the Homestead Chamber of Commerce. He was also Vice President of the USO of Miami Dade County.

A member of Silver Palm United Methodist Church for 28 years, Ken was involved as Treasurer, Finance Committee Chairman, member of the Staff/Parish Committee and a worship/bible study leader among his many leadership roles.

In 2015, Ken and Marlene, along with Sir Oliver (Ollie) Chance, their beautiful Maltese pup, moved to Fletcher, NC where he continued his volunteer activities as Finance Committee Member at Mills River United Methodist Church and a Board Member for the Carolina Concert Choir.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Peter Berger and Marie Madeline Beriault, his wife, Marlene Porter Berger, his older brother, Gordon, as well as stepson, Philip Harmon Porter.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Mills River United Methodist Church. A private interment will be held in the Church’s cemetery.