A graveside service for Berger O. Nielsen, age 90, of Enid, will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday February 2, 2010 in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, with full military honors by Tinker Air Force Base Honor Guard.  Arrangements are by Anderson-Burris Funeral Home.

     Berger was born to William Peter and Hedvig (Gjertsen) Nielsen on May 11, 1919 in Brooklyn, New York, and died on Tuesday January 26, 2010 in Enid.

     Berger graduated from high school in Brooklyn.  He joined the United States Air Force on April 14, 1939, and after 23 ½ years in the Army Air Corp and the US Air Force he retired as a Master Sergeant on June 30, 1962.  In the summer of 1952 he attended the Cornell University and completed a special course for Air Force personnel in hotel management, and food and beverage control.  On September 6, 1942 he married Florence and they had three sons, Charles, Roderick and William.

     From 1966 to 1969 he was stationed in Vietnam, where he helped build lodging sites, provide food service, and recreation for the employees.  Berger married Mary Etta O’Banion on January 21, 1974 in Denver, Colorado.  They later moved to Grove Oklahoma where he loved to go to auctions and work on the Cherokee Queen Riverboat. They moved to Enid in 2005.

     He was an intellectual man, loved reading the news magazines, newspapers from beginning to end and listening to news on the media.  He was well versed in politics, military and religion.  He had gruffness in his voice but was so gentle and full of love for family and life.

     He is survived by his wife Mary Nielsen of the home; three sons Charles and wife Patricia Nielsen of Charlotte, NC., Roderick and wife Glenna Nielsen of Show Low, AZ., and William and Laurie Nielsen of Vancouver, WA; two stepdaughters Ruth Skinner, and Marilyn Brochu and husband Joey of Enid; thirteen grandchildren Charles W. II, Jon, Kristine, Kelly A, Michael S., William P. III, Adam, Eric, Mathew, Meagan, Tara, Nathan and Brad; and six great-grandchildren A. Skye, Aaron, Brock, Courtney, Nathan, and Emma, one sister Ester Nielsen of FL.

     He was preceded in death by his parents.

     Condolences may be made online at www.andersonburris.com.  Cards can be sent to Mary Nielsen, The Commons, 301 S Oakwood #304, Enid, OK 73703