Jerome Richard Berg

Jerome Berg, 84, of Mayville, ND, died Friday, January 14, 2011 at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND. Jerome was born December 27, 1926 in Newburg Township west of Hatton, ND to Oscar and Anna (Haugen) Berg. He was educated in a country school before attending Hatton High School. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Army during the final days of WW II. Jerome graduated from Mayville State in 1951. While at Mayville State he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. He received his Master’s Degree from UND. Upon graduation from Mayville State, Jerome had teaching and coaching assignments in Finley, ND and Fertile, MN before returning to Mayville State in 1956 as head football coach. During 11 years he compiled an overall record of 62-20-2 including six conference championships. He was North Dakota Coach of the Year in 1961. During his tenure at Mayville State he also initiated the wrestling program and helped coach basketball and track. After 3 years in banking he returned to Mayville State as Director of Financial Aid. Even after leaving Mayville State to work in insurance and real estate, he remained a tireless supporter of the University through fundraising for scholarships. He created the Farmers Bowl weekend and was heavily involved in the Mayville State Classic golf tournament. He was a member of the inaugural class of the Mayville State Athletic Hall of Fame and was also named as a Distinguished Alumni. In recognition of his many contributions to Mayville State, the football field was renamed ‘Jerome Berg Field’ in 1997. Jerome was also a dedicated civic and community leader. He touched the lives of so many individuals through his countless volunteer activities. Many still remember Jerome as Santa Claus, who he proudly portrayed at community events, the hospital and nursing home, and individual homes. He was a renowned public speaker, providing his unique blend of humor and wisdom as a banquet emcee and keynote speaker. He held many positions with the Veterans of Foreign Wars including a term as VFW North Dakota State Commander in 1987-1988. Jerome was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. He had a lifelong passion for golf and eagerly waited for each spring to be able to tee it up again. He was proud of being a Norwegian. Jerome is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley (Hatfield); children Nancy (Bob) Zimney of Grand Forks, ND; Debbie (Jerry) Soholt of Sioux Falls, SD; David (Jackie) Berg of Rosemount, MN and Kari Berg of Fargo, ND; 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; and sisters Verna (Brunsvold) of Hatton, ND and Amy (Crickmer) of Shoreview, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Anna Berg; brothers Obert, Ernest, Glenn, Selmer and Roy; sisters Harriet (Norgaard), Violet (Palmer), and Geneva (Tronson). Memorials preferred to Mayville State University, Mayville Lutheran Church, Luther Memorial Home, or charity of choice. Visitation: 5-7 PM Monday, January 17, 2011 with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at Luther Memorial Home Chapel, Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Mayville Lutheran Church, Mayville, ND. Interment: Mayville City Cemetery, Mayville, ND.