MONRAD N. BERG

Monrad Berg, age 89, of Starkweather, ND, passed gently into the arms of his Lord on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at Heartland Care Center in Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Monrad will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church, Starkweather with Rev. Robert Buechler officiating. Burial will be in the Trinity-Bergen Cemetery, rural Starkweather. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a Time of Remembrance and Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Monrad Norman Berg, son of Christian and Marie (Svidalsnes) Berg, was born February 28, 1923 near Calio, ND. He was raised near and attended school in Starkweather, ND, graduating in 1941. He served in the U.S. Army during 1945 and later attended The Agricultural School in Fargo and the State School of Science in Wahpeton. Monrad married Elizabeth (Bette) Ladwig on January 2, 1948, and they made their home north of Starkweather where they farmed for many years and raised their family. After retiring from farming, Monrad sold farm hardware supplies and tools for Nygaard Tools and Bolts, and with his wife, Bette, provided foster care for more than 100 children. A proponent of collective bargaining for farmers, Monrad was very active in NFO throughout the 70’s and early 80’s and served as a state officer. Faith was fundamental in Monrad’s life. A lifelong member of Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church, he often volunteered as a teacher, church officer and vocalist in the Family was the foundation of Monrad’s life and he especially enjoyed any occasion which brought him together with loved ones. No gathering was complete without a rousing game of Rook and Monrad taught all of his children and grandchildren how to play at an early age. His family carries many special memories of his humor, stories and songs and he will be sorely missed. Monrad is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Bette), of Starkweather; his children: Curtis (Kathy) Berg, JoAnn (Kim) Burt, and Russell Berg, all of Starkweather, and Cathy (Lyle) Johnson, Cando, ND; grandchildren Christopher (Robyn) Berg, Cameron Burt, Tami (Bill) Franzen, Matthew (Jessica) Herrick, Shane Herrick, and Monica (Nathan) Parks; great-grandchildren Taylor & Isabelle Berg, Hayley & Elizabeth Parks, Brooke, Dane and Max Franzen; one brother, Bjarne (Hazel) Berg, West Fargo, ND, and four sisters: Norma Vanderpan, Brookings, SD; Carole (Clayton) Englestad, Mentor, MN; Lois (David) Anderson, Apache Junction, AZ, and Ann (Ed) Ellenson, Surprise, AZ; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Haldor and Clarence; son-in-law, John Herrick, and granddaughter, Sheri Leidholt.