In the 1930 census, as the widow Josie Berge, she and Phyllis lived in Iola in Waupaca County. Josie was a hair-dresser. They were renters in the home of Carl Doxrud.
In the 1940 census, still as Josie O Berge, she and Phyllis (who was absent) lived in Waupaca where Josie operated a beauty parlor.