Shirley Darlene Berst

Shirley D. Berst, 72, of St. Paul, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at the Heritage Living Center in St. Paul. Mrs. Berst was cremated and there will be no services. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Berst was born on July 11, 1936, at Scotia, the daughter of Jess and Esther (Wegner) Dunkelburger. She is survived by two sons, Randy Berst of St. Paul and Albert Miller of California; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Gary Dunkelburger of Chatsworth, Calif. and Jim and Ida Leth of St. Edward; and two sisters, Mary Jane and Esther, both of California. She is also survived by five grandchildren; Michael and Tara Berst, Josh Williams, and Kelsey, Jesse and Jessica Berst, all of St. Paul. Shirley grew up in Scotia and received her education at Scotia Public Schools. She was united in marriage to Dale Berst on March 20, 1964, at St. Paul. The couple lived and farmed in the Cushing area for a number of years. She later moved to Grand Island, where she worked at various jobs. In July 2006, she moved to Heritage Living Center in St. Paul. While living there she enjoyed taking care of the flowers, plants and tomatoes, she also liked to go shopping and playing BINGO. She had formed special relationships with fellow residents and staff and enjoyed visiting with small children that would come to Heritage. Shirley also loved Elvis Presley music and movies. She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Jesse Berst, Marvin Miller and an infant son, Robert Berst; and two brothers, Bernard and Richard Dunkelburger. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice.