Elmer Berg

Elmer H. Berg passed away Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo, at the age of 99 years. Elmer was born December 23, 1912, to H. H. Berg and Emma (Harris) Berg at Wyndmere, North Dakota. His family moved to Fargo where Elmer received his education. He was an on the road salesman for auto parts for some years before enlisting in the Air Force. He was stationed in Tucson and Denver. Upon his discharge, he made the decision to go into business for himself. He borrowed $10,000 and opened Berg Fargo Motor Supply in 1946. His store eventually became a very successful business which continued for three generations. After 52 years of operation, Elmer retired at 85 years of age and the store was sold. Elmer thoroughly enjoyed his business and appreciated the dedication and loyalty of the many employees who helped him become successful. Elmer was a member of Kiwanis and was involved in several other civic organizations and was active in First Lutheran Church. He contributed financially to many community charities and was especially generous to local Christian schools and colleges. He said Fargo had been so good to him and he wanted to give back what he could. Elmer enjoyed spending time at this cottage on Pelican Lake with his family and friends. In his earlier years, he participated in motorcycling, snow skiing, water skiing, flying and golf. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He continued his daily walks and golfing for several years after retirement. Elmer married Dolores Able in Fargo in 1933 and they raised their three children there. He married Kaya Johnson in 1961. Elmer and Kaya enjoyed traveling and visited many countries but always returned to Fargo, as Elmer said Fargo was the only place he wanted to be. Elmer is survived by one son, Richard (Lilly) Berg, Fargo, ND; one daughter, Lia Berg, Garfield, WA; four grandchildren, David (Sarah) Berg, Austin, TX; Karen (Steve) Berg-Smith, Larkspur, CA; Thane Berg, Boulder, CO; Brandon (Lisa) Lever, Boise, ID; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives; his son, Jerry; one brother, Milton; and two sisters, Alta and Harriet. Elmer entered Rosewood on Broadway Nursing Home in January of 2011. The family would like to thank the staff at Rosewood for the kindness and care shown to Elmer this past year. They especially would like to thank his special care givers, Sandy Scherer and Marilyn Anderson, who gave Elmer such wonderful and loving in-home care for six years. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to Rosewood on Broadway, Hospice of the Red River Valley or charities of choice. Funeral Service: Thursday, March 8, 2012, at 2:00 PM, at First Lutheran Church, Fargo. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.