Edward L. Berges
Born: January 1st, 1970
Died: August 23rd, 1930
Obituary
Edward L. Berges, 52, member of the Burlington police department for thirteen years, died suddenly yesterday morning at his home, 1860 Orchard Street, a short time after he was stricken while walking his beat in the business section of the city. Death was due to a stroke of apoplexy, according to his physician.
He was apparently in good health when he reported for duty at 6:30 yesterday morning. When he became ill, shortly after 8 o'clock while on his beat, he went into the Stiefel shoe store and Mr. Stiefel called the police station. The officer was taken to his home and a physician was called. He lapsed into unconsciousness shortly before 10 o’clock and died a few minutes later.
Officer Berges became overheated during the extremely hot weather earlier in the summer and had been off duty for some time in July. He had, however, apparently fully recovered from the effects of his illness.
He was first appointed to the police force April 23, 1904. He left the employ of the department, however, for a period of time to engage in other work. The total duration of his service, records of the department show, is thirteen years. He had served continuously since Sept. 16, 1922, and during his employment was a night captain, sergeant, and patrolman.
Officer Berges was born in Minnesota, Dec. 24, 1078, and had lived in Burlington since 1900. He is survived by his widow and four children, Paul Edward, Marie, Dorothy, and Shirley; his mother, Mrs. Wilhelmina Berges of Burlington; five brothers, John, Oscar, Adolph, and Paul of Burlington and Arthur of Jackson, Mich.; three sisters, Elizabeth and Lydia Berges, and Mrs. Adolph Morlock of Burlington.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at the home. Other police officers who will be pallbearers are Ed Gitchell, George Heckenberg, Andrew Smith, Joseph R. Essex, Charles Stratton, and Harry Anderson.