Janesville, MN - Doris was raised with her younger brother, Richard, on the family farm near Elysian, MN. They learned about hard work and service from their parents, Joseph and Gertrude Strohl.

After graduating from Janesville High School in 1956, Doris earned a degree in education from Mankato State College and then attended the University of Kansas to study speech pathology. She had a long career in education until 1998 when she retired from the Maple River School District.

Doris met Jerry Berger while they were both students at KU and married in 1964. Their daughter, Johanna, was born shortly after they moved to Minnesota and a few years later, Sarah arrived. Jerry died in 1969 leaving Doris as a single mother.

Doris raised her daughters in Mankato, in a home that was always open to people and filled with activities. If you stopped by, there was sure to be a pot of coffee, cookies coming out the oven, a sewing project going on, and conversation about world affairs taking place.

Most important to Doris was her belief that the world could and should be a kinder place and she used her voice to invite others to join her. She showed up to peace demonstrations, campaigned on behalf of every DFL candidate she could, and always, always voted.

Doris was able to stay in her home with the care and kindness of Jody Wehking, who went above and beyond to provide Doris with love and dignity in the the last year of her life. Jody was supported by Mallory, Ruth, Brynn, Josh, Marsha, and others from Synergy Home Care. A thousand thank yous to this group of skilled and patient caregivers.

For those who knew Doris, it is not surprising that she requested no funeral. Doris would rather you do the following: plant a garden, take in a stray animal, read a book, and support your public library. Bake cookies for a neighbor, invite both friends and strangers to dinner. Help a stranger, and teach a child a new skill. Get involved in your community, make a donation to your local food shelf, and most important: vote and fight like hell for democracy.

Doris died at home with her beloved caregiver, Jody, by her side. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah, and granddaughter, Lydia Campbell; daughter, Johanna Berger (David Dormont), and granddaughters Yael and Nehama Dormont; nieces Erica Strohl (Craig Oppegaard), Leah Hernandez, and great-niece and great-nephews Zeke, Abigail, Jordan, and Ethan; all the McDiarmid kids, as well a huge circle of friends that is bigger than can be listed here, but know that she valued every single one of you.