Donald Berger

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Donald S. Berger, who left us unexpectedly on Friday, August 8th, 2025 while at his home with his beloved dog by his side. 

Born in Chicago on April 24, 1944 while his father was still serving in World War II, Don grew up in Skokie, IL and was drafted to the U.S. Army during Vietnam, where he served in the service branch as a medic, rank SP5. 

From his youth, Don cultivated his passion for all things mechanical. Don would fix up bicycles as a teen for extra pocket money in his Skokie neighborhood, ultimately developing his skills and talents to work in the field of cars and mechanics. In fact, fixing cars led him to his wife, Mary, as he met her while working on replacing her tires in Morton Grove. Don’s love of tinkering was only rivaled by his enthusiasm for many mediums of artistic expression. Whether printmaking, sketching, photography, woodworking, or painting, Don honed his artistic skills at the Art Institute of Chicago, earning his Masters of Art, and eventually, he opened his own shop and studio, King Furniture Company, making bespoke furniture for his clients.

Yet, the role he relished the most was homemaker and caregiver to his four children and his beloved dogs. Don’s daily devotion to his family found expression in the small and quiet ways he showed his love for them. When his children were in preschool, he would craft surprise lunches of artistic creations, such as octopus hot dogs and pretzel trees. From bike riding lessons to cutting coupons from the Sunday paper, Don was always teaching life lessons that still resonate today. His gifts of love will be cherished and remembered forever. While Don wasn’t born an animal lover, Mary introduced him to a whole new breed of love–every cat and dog he met found a safe home in his arms. When his children were toddlers, Don could be seen crawling on all fours in a spontaneous parade of Dad, cat, and toddler. In his elder years, he could be seen surrounded by his rescue dogs, Will and Grace, who rarely left his side. And in the end, Grace faithfully alerted the house to her father’s passing. 

Don is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Mary (nee Macfarlane,) and his children: Dr. Elizabeth (Jennifer), Peter, Jesse, and Marissa. He was a grandfather to Ciaran and Caoimhe.  He is also survived by his brothers Irwin and Mark (Anna).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Florence, whom he loved dearly.

A visitation for Donald will be held on Friday, August 15 from 10:00 AM at Symonds Funeral Home, 858 Sheridan Rd, Highwood, IL. Funeral Service Noon. Rabbi Nancy Landsman, officiant.  Burial with military honors will take place immediately following the funeral service at 1:00 PM at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, Vattman Road, Fort Sheridan, IL.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  

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