Merland W. "Red" Berg

Merland W. "Red" Berg, 92, Grand Forks, died Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at home. Merland W. Berg was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on January 15, 1922 to George E. and Rosella (McLaren) Berg. He attended elementary school in Grand Forks and graduated from Central High School in 1940. He graduated from Aaker's Business College in 1949, and later received his teaching certificate from the National Council of Business Schools. He was employed in accounting with NSP (Xcel) Energy for 31 years. Red enlisted in the US Army in 1942 and was sent to Army Signal Corps training for 6 months at UND. He was sent overseas from Camp Kohler, California for 27 months, serving in Australia, New Guinea, The Philippines and Japan, and received two bronze stars. He was honorably discharged in January, 1946, and was in the Army Reserves from 1949 -1952. Red was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, and served on the Board of Trustees, and was congregation President in 1962. He taught the Bethel Bible Series. Red was married on September 5, 1952 to Ferne Hultgren of Kennedy, Minnesota. They had three children, Patti Jerry, and Gregory. Red received the Employee of The Year Award from NSP, The Service to Mankind Award from the GF Sertoma Club, and was inducted in 3 North Dakota Halls of Fame; Amateur Basketball, Amateur Softball, and American Legion Baseball. He enjoyed pitching fast pitch softball. He was involved with the American Legion Baseball Program for over 35 years. Red was a lifetime member of the American Legion, serving as Commander in 1961-1962, and was also a member of the VFW. Red enjoyed camping with his family, traveling the US and also his favorite trip to the Holy Land. Red was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Berg, and Marion Norman. He is survived by his wife, Ferne, Grand Forks; daughter Patti (David) Wicklein, Plymouth, MN; sons, Jerry (Rebecca) of Arlington, MN, and Gregory (Teresa) of Grand Forks; Grandchildren, Alexandra Abbenhaus, Christopher, Jordan, Ian and Caitlin Berg; brother, Dr. Philip Berg of LaCrescent, MN. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014 in Calvary Lutheran Church 1405 S. 9th St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment will be at a later date in Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks. Honorary Pallbearers will be Red's former American Legion Baseball Players.