Obituary for Helen Berg

She was born February 15, 1924, in Jefferson, WI to Henry and Hazel (Howard) Gross. She was made a child of God through baptism and confirmed in her Christian faith at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson, WI.

Upon graduation from Jefferson High School Helen worked for a year before enrolling at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN where she was trained to be a Christian day school teacher and church organist. She was assigned to be the teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, a one room school, in Bangor, WI. It was in Bangor where Helen met her future husband Ernest “Ernie” Berg. They were married at St, John’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson, WI on June 12, 1948. Helen and Ernie moved to Barre Mills where they were dairy farmers.

Helen was a woman of many talents which she used to serve others. In addition to being a farm wife and mother, she also served as a church organist at St, John’ Lutheran Church, Barre Mills well into her eighties. She also was a substitute teacher at several of the area WELS Lutheran grade schools, taking over for Principal Armin Huhn when he became ill and passed away. She served as the director of the Male and Mixed choirs at St. John’s for many years after Mr. Huhn passed away.

She was active in the Ladies Aid at St. John’s, usually being the one in charge of the music and entertainment. The WELS Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society and the Luther High Auxiliary were also organizations in which Helen was active.

While her children were growing up Helen became active in the Barre Badgers 4-H club, directing a number of novelty numbers and drama productions put on by the club. In her later years Helen attended the activities of the OWLS (Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors) and volunteered at the Good Steward Resale store.

She was a regular attendee St. John’s services and Sunday morning Bible class where she and the other ladies at the front table kept the Pastor on his toes with their questions and comments.

Helen and Ernie were married for almost fifty-eight years until the Lord called Ernie home on April 23, 2006.

Helen is survived by seven children, Patricia Hansen of Burlington. WI, Vicki Berg of Bangor, WI, Stephen (Peggy) Berg of Barre Mills, WI, Brian(Ann) Berg of Bangor, WI, Randy (Margaret) Berg of Onalaska, Cindy (Jack) Selin of Lacrosse, and Jeffry (Johanna) Berg of Barre Mills, WI, 16 grandchildren, 2 step- grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 8 step- great grandchildren, one great- great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Hazel Gross, her brothers Harold and Stuart Gross, brother in law Wilfred “Pete” Berg, sisters in law June and Jean Gross, Elizabeth Bruscke, Rose (Harold) Fennikoh, a daughter-in- law Carol Berg, a son in-law- David Hansen, and two nieces and nephews.

A Christian Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, W3565 CTH M, Barre Mills. Rev. Andrew Schultz will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to an organization of the donor's choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mulder Health Care Facility for the compassionate care they gave to Helen. They would also like to thank Pastor Andrew Schultz and Pastor Oliver Lindholm for the spiritual care they provided for Helen while she was at Mulders.

“Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep”

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Bangor Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at this site.