- Date Of Birth: January 24, 1943
- Date Of Death: April 23, 2023
- State: Minnesota
Gerald LaRoy Berg met his Savior at his favorite time of day: 5:00 am on Sunday, April 23, 2023. He fought a courageous battle with AL Amyloidosis for the last 2 years but died peacefully with his family by his side.
Gerald was born January 24, 1943 in Roseau, MN to John Eden Berg and Evelyn (Dahl) Berg. He attended grade school in Wannaska where he enjoyed playing hockey, and graduated from Roseau High School in 1961. At age 16 he left home and worked on farms in N.D. every summer, Ger joined the Navy in 1961 but had a medical discharge. He then attended Dunwoody Inst. to become a chef. He worked in several restaurants in Mpls until his dad convinced him to join him and his brother Roger in construction.
On August 25, 1962 Ger married Linda Erickson, his high school sweetheart. They lived in St. Anthony Village until they built a home in Blaine. In 1968 they bought Woodland Industries, a cabinet shop in Greenbush. They moved to Greenbush in 1971 and he continued building cabinets, homes, farm buildings and churches. Over those 55 years, he cherished his customers as good friends and his employees were very special to him.
He developed a strong work ethic at an early age and continued it until his death; working on many projects in his shop these last 2 years. He always said “I can feel rotten in the morning, but when I get out to the shop I forget about it.” He remodeled his shop and office into a personal museum with memories of his life’s work. His pride and joy was restoring an old 1956 Ford Crown Victoria to look just like the one he got married in.
Family was very important to Ger. He was blessed with 3 sons: Eden Lyn born in 1963, Brian LaRoy in 1966 and Jeremy Hans in 1977. He was especially thrilled to have his sons and grandsons working with him and carrying on his tradition. He also enjoyed many years of attending sports, music, dance, drama, school and church events. He enjoyed all the new babies and toddlers. He was able to enjoy his last Easter with his large family that now numbers over 40.
After family and work, his 3rd passion was RV’s and camping. He built and owned several RV’s and fifth wheelers traveling across the US and Canada several times. With 3 boys he took many opportunities to explore the outdoors. He enjoyed his cabin at Zippel Bay and home in Arizona for 30 years.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Linda, of 60 years; Sons Eden (Denise), Brian ( Gretchen), Jeremy (Angie); 13 grandchildren: Aric (Danielle), Jessie (Laudyn), Zack (Teahna) Brady; Blaire (Michele), Kayla (Ulrik), Morgan (Matt), Aubre: Damaris (Mark), Hans, Gracia, Nia, Solveig; 11 great grandchildren: Christian, Easton, Bennett, Dominic, Elsie, Hattie, Parker: Bentley, Marius, Clara, Lilje and one on the way. Siblings; Roger (Jan), Marjorie, Elaine, Jerome (Jan), Joelene (Roger); inlaws: Clayton E, Carol and Ronnie O. and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Evelyn, Brother in laws, Bill Wohlgemuth and Ray Chase. and other relatives.
Ger faithfully attended church, Bible Study and taught Sunday school for many years. He was very passionate about being a Gideon and enjoyed many years presenting the Gideon message to local churches and distributing Bibles in parades and the county fair.
