Walter Berg, 80, of Claremont died Dec. 10, 2008, at his home.
Walter was born Feb. 14, 1928, in LeSueur County, the son of Otto and Elsie (Krueger) Berg. Walter attended grade school in LeSueur County and secondary school in Steele County. Walter was united in marriage to Mary M. Kubat on Dec. 28, 1950, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Claremont. After the couple married they lived in Bixby and started to raise their family of 12 children. Later the couple moved to Claremont to make their home. Walter worked at the Owatonna Canning Company for all of his working life. He worked in the fields and repairing machinery. Walter starting working at Owatonna Canning Company in 1950 and retired in 1991, a career of service of 41 years. Walter was a member of the NRA (National Rifle Association) and St. Francis de Sales Church. His life interests include hunting and fishing, listening to polka music, playing in a band, and gardening. Walter was always tinkering and fixing things through out his life.
Visitation will be on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home of Owatonna and one hour prior to the service at the church. Mass of Christian burial is set for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church of Claremont. Interment will be in St. Francis de Sales Cemetery in Claremont.
Walter is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary of Claremont, 12 children: Michael (Melanie) Berg of rural Claremont, Patricia (Robert) Gordon of Dalhart, Texas, Patrick (Robin) Berg of rural Claremont, Susan (Carlton) Wittmer of rural Albert Lea, Carol (Fiancés Jeff Hodapp) Kramer of Owatonna, Marcia (Fredy) Ortegon of Corinth, Texas, Judith (Derrick) DeWalt of Charlotte, N.C., John (Darla) Berg of rural Claremont, Thomas (Mickie) Berg of rural Claremont, Jennifer Berg of Canyon, Texas, Mary Lisa (Christopher) Wermager of Shoreview, Barry (Melissa) Berg of Del Rapids, S.D.; 28 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Anne Holicky of Le Center. Walter is preceded in death by one grandson, Alex; one sister, Geraldine, and one step grandson, Matt.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Mayo- Hospice in Rochester, or Hospice Center of Richardson, Texas.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.