Steven Berg

Steven John Berg, from East Grand Forks, MN, died on April 26, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Steven Berg was born on April 20, 1955, in Cavalier, North Dakota to Gilbert and Hazel (Sandberg) Berg. He grew up in Walhalla, ND, and graduated in 1973. He realized his career calling as a teenager, becoming a mason. Steve’s journey in the construction industry was marked by his skill and passion for meticulous work as a master mason over many years. His commitment to craftsmanship shone through in every project he undertook, leaving a lasting mark on the places he worked on.

On July 11, 1975, Steve married Jolanda "Jody" Longtin. They were blessed with three children and lived in Walhalla, ND, until 1992, when they moved to East Grand Forks, ND. Steve was an amazing father, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved hearing the "pluck" of a great shot and the “buzz” of the reel. His hunting and fishing adventures spanned beyond the Pembina Gorge, including Montana, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Canada. He also took pride in his beloved hunting dog, Daunte, who not only was great at retrieving birds in the field but also beer from the garage fridge for all of Steve’s friends. 

As a dad, he was an intimidating presence, but he really was an undercover softy. He loved the threats of the "slaps-a-many" or the "warming of cheeks", although we can't remember any of those ever ending in anything but tickles and laughter. There was no hiding his softness to his grandkids. He was always the first to feed them every dessert, endless candy, beef jerky, and always had a pocket full of cash to hand out. Some of his favorite stories were of his grandkids’ funny sayings and pronunciations: “squirrelmunks” (squirrels and chipmunks), "I reckon so" (from the Josey Wales movie, learned from Grandpa), and “apsoluply” (absolutely) come to mind. Steve was a man of few words and the definition of leading by example. We don't think anyone worked harder or smarter. He will be greatly missed by all of us, but not by the deer or fish (haha). So, rest easy Steve, and watch over us all with your firm hands and gentle touch and enjoy the show. We are all heartbroken and saddened, but damn what a life!
 
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm at Amundson Funeral Home on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at Amundson Funeral Home. A casual fish fry to follow at the Berg garage.  
 
Steve is survived by his wife, Jody (Jolanda) Berg; his children Carmen Bergom (Mike), Carrie Berg (Matt), and Jon Berg (Chelsey); his grandchildren Breya, Isabel, and Tess; his brother Kevin Berg and sisters Carol Groff, Marilyn Lipp, and Jean Hornung; and numerous nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his loving parents Gilbert and Hazel Berg, his brother Roger, his sister Diane, his sister-in-law Cheryl, his in-laws Gary and Dede Longtin, and his dog Daunte. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Walhalla Fire Department, where Steve was a lifelong member. Walhalla Fire Department, P.O. Box 284, Walhalla, ND 58282.