Gayle Lynne Berger

Gayle was born on January 13, 1950 in Peoria to Chester and Ruby (Hanchett) Berger. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Marrianna Blankenbehler, two brothers, Jeffrey Berger and Timothy Berger, and one brother-in-law, Kenneth Roberts.

Surviving are two sisters, Karen Roberts of Toulon and Spring McBride of Pekin; one brother, Jonathan (Stefani) Berger of Pekin; one brother-in-law, Paul Blankenbehler of Kewanee; two sisters-in-law, Lori Berger of Peoria and Linda Berger of Pekin; 11 nieces and nephews, 23 great nieces and nephews, and 3 great great nieces and nephew.

Gayle graduated from Manual High School in 1968 going on to attend Anderson College, graduating in 1972 as a licensed social worker. She worked all her life as a community servant. Through her work for Princeton Children’s Home, Neighborhood House, Peoria County Health Department, and the Center for Prevention of Abuse, she served and cared for the marginalized with humility.

She was a lifelong member of South Side/Maxwell Road Church of God where she was active in the music ministry, children’s and youth programs, and taught Sunday School. Many have fond memories of Gayle coaching basketball.

Gayle enjoyed time with family. She was always willing to take the nieces and nephews for Friday night sleepovers. She loved attending birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and family vacations. Gayle was the proud babysitter for her great nephews, Remington and Rylan Carroll.

Her funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Abigail (Berger) Luka will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Memorials may be given to Neighborhood House, 1020 South Matthew Street, Peoria, IL 61605, or the Center for Prevention of Abuse, 720 West Joan Court, Peoria, IL 61614.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com