Leon Berg

Funeral services for Leon Berg will be held Friday December 10, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck with Pastor Paul Johnson officiating. A visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Fron Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Starbuck.

Leon Burdell Berg was born to Leo and Borghild (Carlson) Berg on June 22, 1938 in Glenwood, MN. He grew up on a dairy farm south of Starbuck and attended country school through eighth grade. He transferred to Starbuck High School and graduated in 1957. Following high school, Leon worked with his dad and uncle on the family’s farm and drove milk truck for the Starbuck Creamery for ten years.  Leon married Susan (Sue) Ester Krause on his thirtieth birthday, June 22, 1968. Sue chose that date so that he would never forget their anniversary.  The union was blessed with two sons and one daughter. The couple took over the family farm with his brother Jim Berg. As both families grew they started farming separately.

Leon was an animal lover. He not only cared for his dairy cows, he also had countless cats and dogs that he loved dearly throughout his life, especially his chocolate lab, Bear. Farming wasn’t only a career for Leon, it was a lifestyle. He will always be remembered for his corny jokes.  In his spare time, he enjoyed visiting with neighbors and family. Leon also liked finding time to fish and hunt along with watching his kids play in basketball, football and volleyball games.

Leon and Sue retired from dairy in 2002, but continued crop farming until 2006. During his retirement, Leon stayed true to his farming roots by attending many tractor shows, threshing bees and local farm auctions.  He enjoyed driving around to check out the neighbors’ fields.  His new passion was spending time with his grandchildren attending all of their dance recitals, soccer and football games. In the summer you could always find him sitting on the porch with his dog by his side, camping with his family and occasional trips to the Dairy Queen. In the winter he would watch game shows and old westerns.

Leon lost his battle to cancer on December 5, 2021 at Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, MN after sharing Thanksgiving with his family. He was 83 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Susan of Starbuck, MN; sons: Brian (Gina) Berg of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Kevin Berg (Emily Wright) of Glenwood, MN; daughter: Jolene (Mike) Schreiner of Alexandria, MN; grandchildren: Levi Berg, Brylee Berg, Nic Schreiner, step grandchildren:  Molly Hoemberg, and Meredith Hoemberg; brother: LeRoy Berg; sister: Barbara (Roger) Thue; and sister-in-law: June Berg and many nieces and nephews. Leon is preceded in death by his parents; brother: James A. Berg; brothers-in-law: Douglas Erdahl and Donald Farringer; and sister-in-law: Jane Berg.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.