ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Phillip Ryan Berger, 37, passed peacefully Oct. 16, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. Born on Oct. 29, 1987, in Great Bend, Kan., he was a longtime resident of Barton County, and had become a resident of St. Joseph, Mo., in recent years. On May 29, 2014, Phillip married his soul mate, Tara Michelle O’Callaghan in Lawrence, Kan. He was the son of Roger and Patricia (Shomber) Berger. 

Phillip worked for Plunkett’s Pest Control of St. Joseph, Mo. During his employment, his charismatic personality fostered connections with each of his clients and coworkers. Phillip loved deeply and his family and the friends who became family meant everything to him. 

On Sept. 9, 2025, Tara, Phillip’s bride and companion for the last nearly 20 years, passed peacefully in their home in St. Joseph, Mo. Phillip and Tara met in 2006 at Friend’s University in Wichita, Kan. Tara was equally charismatic, hilarious and had such a beautiful heart. She was Phillip’s best friend. Together, they had two beautiful children, Annalie Jean Berger and Lucas Dean Berger. Phillip and Tara often bonded over their love of music. Their collection was vast and if you had an emotion - Phillip had the perfect song to help you through. He believed that music could convey what his heart couldn’t put into words. You could often find Phillip next to a fire with his guitar and kids. 

Survivors include his children of the home; mother, Trish Berger of Great Bend; brother, Chris Berger and wife Megan of Great Bend; sisters, Sarah Berger and fiancé Jacob Wilson, Great Bend, and Lydia Burress and husband Seth of Great Bend; grandmother-in-law, Jeanne Webb of St. Jospeh, Mo.; brother-in-law, John O’Callaghan (Jenny) of St. Joseph, Mo.; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Phillip was preceded in death by his wife, Tara Michelle O’Callaghan; father, Roger Berger; paternal grandmother, Alene Berger, and his beloved dog, Sadie.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. To honor Phillip and his love for music, we ask your attire to be a favorite band t-shirt and jeans, and be ready to share memories. Memorials have been designated to Phillip Berger Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS   67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 21, 2025