Matthew Lloyd "Matt" Berger

Matthew "Matt" Lloyd Berger, 49 of Elkader, Iowa passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa after a battle with cancer. He was born to James and Sandra (Bente) Berger on May 21, 1976 in Elkader, Iowa. He graduated from Central High School, Elkader in 1995 and attended NICC for auto mechanics.

Matt was united in marriage with Shanna Gilson, and although they later divorced, their union was blessed with two children, Aaron and Bailey. Matt and his partner, Heidi Koehn, also welcomed a son, Hunter Berger.

Matt was employed by Loecke Building Service, LLC where he worked in commercial construction. He had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He especially enjoyed celebrating hunting successes with his loved ones. Matt was extremely proud of his children and grandchild and cherished every moment he spent with them, along with the rest of his family and friends. Matt was also heavily involved with the Volga Day Celebration, and worked tirelessly in the restoration of the Opera House. Matt will be remembered as a quite, old sole, and devoted protector of those he loved.

Matt is survived by his children, Aaron (Claire) Berger of Elkader, Bailey (Caleb) Gossman of Des Moines, and Hunter Berger of Elkader; a grandson, James Berger; his girlfriend, Heidi Dettman Koehn of Elkader; two step-daughters, Bailie Koehn and Izibele Koehn; brother, Brian (Cindi Rigdon) Berger of Volga; sister, Sarah (Jim) Fettkether of Ryan; nieces and nephews, David Gibbons, Briana (Kyle) Young, Michael Berger, Brinan Berger, Isaac Fettkether and Tate Fettkether; great-nephew, Andrew Gibbons and a great-niece, Keegan Young and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sandy Berger, his grandparents Howard and Eula Berger, and Lloyd and Kathleen Bente, aunts and uncles Carol and Denny Koppes, Edward DeShaw, Dwight Rodas, Kim Berger, Janice and Ken Newman, Kurt Haynes, and cousin Danielle Pape.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 4-8 pm at the Volga City Opera House in Volga.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family requests sympathy cards be sent to Leanard-Grau, or that they be held until the Celebration of Life.