Online fundraiser established for Local 1503 member’s survivors

Our union, Local 1503 in Marysville, Kan., the Kansas State Legislative Board and GCA 953 mourn the loss of Brother Benjamin “Ben” Berger.

A strong union brother always willing to do his part for his union, his community, and his family, he was reported missing earlier this week and his body was found late Thursday night. Unfortunately, authorities say he did not survive a car wreck on Saturday, February 17, the day he went missing.

Ben was a Union Pacific conductor and a proud member of Local 1503. He hired out in North Platte, Nebraska, in 2011 and was with SMART-TD for all 13 years he has been on the rail. Berger also donated his time away from the rail to his community as a member of his local volunteer fire department.

With Brother Berger’s passing, SMART-TD is asking our union brothers and sisters to lend support to Ben’s wife and family in their time of need. Kansas State Legislative Director Ty Dragoo, a fellow member of Local 1503, has organized an online fundraiser to benefit Brother Berger’s loved ones. If able, please donate in memory of our fallen brother.

The SMART Transportation Division offers its sincere condolences to Brother Berger’s friends, family, his Local 1503 brother’s and sisters and all who knew him in this difficult time of loss.