Vernon H. Berger

1934 - 2026

Memorial services for Vernon H. Berger, age 91, of Houston, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Dubina. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the parish rosary to be recited at 10:30 a.m. from the church. Full military honors conducted by the Schulenburg American Legion Post 143 will follow the service. A private inurnment will take place at a later time.

Vernon Berger was born on December 17, 1934, in Schulenburg, Texas, to Hilda (Lobpries) Berger and Henry Berger. He had one brother, Wilbert. Raised on a family farm, Vernon worked hard alongside his family and truly loved that way of life.

In 1957, he joined the U.S. Army and served two years in Germany. He was later recalled to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961 and was stationed at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.

Vernon joined the Houston Police Department in 1959, while also attending the University of Houston. He steadily advanced from patrol officer to detective, lieutenant, and captain. He proudly served for 38 years before retiring. He was a longtime member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and the Retired Police Association.

He met the love of his life, Dorothy Janecka, and they married on May 23, 1965. Together they raised three daughters: Stephanie, Jennifer, and Keri. In May 2026, Vernon and Dorothy joyfully celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

Family meant everything to Vernon. He was deeply proud of Dorothy and his daughters, and he especially adored his eight grandchildren: Connor, Caroline, Riley, Shannon, Jacob, Catherine, Ethan, and Luke.

Vernon had a great love for the outdoors, particularly hiking the mountains of Colorado. He and his family spent many summer vacations hiking in the National Parks and enjoyed skiing together in the winter. After retirement, Vernon and Dorothy traveled extensively throughout Europe, Central America, and across the United States, including many cruises. He also cherished time at his country ranch in Schulenburg. There was nothing better than spending a long day working on his tractor, then relaxing on the porch with a cold Shiner beer and a bowl of Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream — the perfect end to a perfect day.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Dorothy Berger; daughter, Stephanie Duffy and husband Sean; daughter, Jennifer Singletary and husband Jeff; daughter, Keri Dolch and husband Bryan; and 8 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Hilda Lobpries Berger; and brother, Wilbert Berger and wife June.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Catholic School in Weimar, National Park Service, or a charity of your choice.