Berg, Elwin "Butch" Died June 18, 2024, at the age of 91 from complications of bladder cancer. Butch was born January 19, 1933, in LaPorte, Indiana to a patriotic family established by Irving C. Berg (WWI) and Irene N. Berg (USO & Legion Auxiliary). Butch was very close to his brothers, Charles I. Berg (WW2) and Walter A. Berg (WW2). Butch was raised in Michigan City, IN. During the summers of his teenage years, he spent considerable time on his grandparents' farm. Those times were filled with meaningful experiences, hard work, and lasting memories filled with laughter and life lessons. Butch graduated from Elston High School in 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1951 and served until July 1955 as a simulated flight instructor. In 1952, he was deployed to the Korean War zone on board the USS Lake Champlain, CVA 39, and later at the Naval Air Station in Kingsville, TX. In 1955, Butch enrolled at Purdue University and graduated in 1959 with a mechanical engineering degree. After he returned home, he reconnected with the neighbor girl across the street, and they never looked back. In 1960, Butch married Marilyn Radey, a Ball State graduate from Michigan City. They couldn't wait to start a family of their own and their 3 children meant the world to them. As the years went on, Butch and Marilyn's favorite role was that of grandparents. They treasured their time with their grandkids and loved being Papa and Nonni. Many golf lessons, English lessons, and fun field trips were held! Butch worked at several engineering jobs until ultimately starting his own business as E.R. Berg & Associates - a manufacturer's representative firm. Some years later, Terry Johnson merged with the business, and it was renamed Berg-Johnson & Associates. To this day, the business continues to be very successful led by Jeff Francis. Butch and Marilyn were both very active at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville, MN from 1969 forward. Marilyn served as a Trustee for many years and was involved with many other functions. Butch served as an usher, Stephen's Minister and sang in the choir for many years. Many good friends were made through church connections. Butch relished time in his workshop and on the golf course. He loved to needle his opponents and tell old jokes. For many years, he played in the Resorter's Tournament in Alexandria, MN with friend Peter Onstad -those were great times! Even winning his age group one year! Golf memberships were held at Southview Country Club, Olympic Hills Golf Club, Northfield Golf Club, and Willingers Golf Club. Butch was preceded in death by Charles I. Berg, Walter A. Berg and nephew Theodore Radey, and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn Berg, children Elizabeth (Randy) Stockman, Carolyn (Larry) Zucker and Peter (Julie) Berg. Grandchildren Mitchell Stockman, Emily (Juan Palafox) Stockman, Jack (Brooke) Zucker, Kate (Kyle Svoboda) Zucker, Anna (Alex Irwin) Zucker, Monica Berg, Susanna Berg and great-grandson Rowan Palafox. A funeral mass will be held in his remembrance at 4 pm on July 18 at Mary, Mother of the Church, in Burnsville, with visitation preceding at 3 pm. A celebration of Butch's life will be held directly after Mass at Valleywood Golf Course, 4851 McAndrews Rd, Apple Valley, MN. Private interment of ashes will be at Pleasant View Memorial Gardens in Burnsville. In place of flowers, donations to Mary's Place or St. Joseph's Indian School are greatly appreciated.

Published on June 30, 2024