"Mr. Berg A kind and gentle man, a role model for many. I remember him as a mentor and coach for RHS wrestling.... He lived an exemplary life to all he touched with his spirit and kindness, We will never forget those who gave us so much to remember. RIP."
In loving memory of
Richard "Dick" Berg
May 9, 1934 - November 15, 2019
God received a faithful servant into his fold on November, 15, 2019, Richard A. Berg, 85, passed away from complications following a stroke at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home. He was born May 9, 1934, to Arthur and Elvira (Kahoun) Berg in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He lived in Lewiston and grew up in Mound, Minnesota before graduating from Rushford High School in 1952. He received an Associates degree in auto body from Dunwoody Institute before serving in the Army reserves from 1957 to 1963. Dick graduated from Winona State University with a B.A. in Industrial Arts and Education, a minor in Geography, then a Masters in Education. While teaching for over 40 years in Rushford, Lanesboro, and Peterson he received certificates in Special Education, SLBD, SLD, and Administration. He also was elementary principal in Lanesboro and Peterson. Dick started the wrestling program in Rushford and coached for many years. He drove school bus for over 50 years. He spent many summers working for the Tri-County Electric spray crew and Whispering Hills Girl Scout Camp.
Dick loved the outdoors and was active in Boy Scouts, Peterson Lions, Rushford American Legion, Good Shepherd Lutheran Board, Gideon's Ministry, and Lutheran Men in Mission. Dick was a wonderful singer, lover of all sports and jack of all trades. Always keeping God and family in the forefront of his life, he was active on the First Lutheran Church of Highland Board, choir, and Sunday school.
He never had a cross word for anyone, nor did they for him. This kind and gentle man touched many lives, none more so than his family. Dick leaves a wife of 64 years, Linda; children: Derek (Merry) and Shelley (Tim Kunda) all of Rushford; brother, Ron (Margaret) Berg of Broomfield, Colorado; brother-in-law and close friend, Gene Olstad; grandchildren: Missy (Jeremiah) Edwards, Ashley (Erick Schulte), Tyler, and Alyssa, nieces and a nephew.
A visitation to celebrate Dick's life will be held at Hoff Funeral Homes in Rushford on Friday, November 22 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church. Services will be held at First Lutheran Church of Highland on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Patricia Hinkie officiating. Interment will follow in the Church cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to the R-P Mat Club or to the R-P Dance Team.
Tributes
"Dear Shelley & Derek, Oh Sweet pea, so sorry to hear this sad news! Sorry I couldn't make it, I found out to late. I know what your going through and its hard, but God will get you through it. Your Dad sounds like he was a wonderful man and I wish I could of met him! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Dear Linda, Ashley and Derek, I?m so sorry for your loss. As a fellow south sider I had the pleasure of interacting with Dick while palling around with Derek. Dick always impressed me with his calmness and kindness while teaching or discipling us kids. Regretfully I cannot attend his funeral but my prayers and thoughts are with you! John Brown"
"Mr. Berg was my favorite elementary teacher. He was so kind & gentle! Always a smile to greet everyone. Prayers to the family. Heaven has gained a true angel! "
"What a lovely obituary for Dick. It describes him exactly as we remember him from when we lived in Rushford in the 60's. Also the smile on the picture is just a perfect reminder of his kind heart. From Lois and Gaven Grob."
"I will miss Dick. We were cousins and shared a birthday. I volunteered my time for 3 years while in high school at the little house next to the school where Dick taught his special students in Rushford. He was the most gentle and kindest man I have ever known. My prayers are with his family."
"Ashley I am so sorry your loss. May your memories bring you peace & comfort."
"The most gentle man I have ever met! Rest peacefully, Dick!"
"Dick was a gentle and kind man. He was a loving man. Dick you will be missed"
"Linda & family; Yes indeed " God received a faithful servant ". Dick was a most dedicated Christian. A very gentle man and always the same. We knew Dick most of his life and considered him a true friend. Bettie Lou and I wish you God's Blessing as you grieve his passing. May He give you strength to go on with beautiful memories of Dick. God Bless you and the family. Rob & Bettie Lou Bunke"
"I got to know Dick through the Gideons and Senior Dining. He was a good friend of my husband and me RIP Dick and give a 'hi' to Kent."