Donald L. “Don” Berg, 83, passed away August 7, 2024, at the Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita, Kansas, following a brief illness.
He was born November 15, 1940, in Marion, Kansas. He was the son of Wilbur and Martha (Houdyshell) Berg. He graduated from Florence High School with the class of 1959. He proudly served his country with the United States Army National Guard for 6 years. On September 23, 1961, he was united in marriage to Geraldine L. “Gerry” Herzet. They would welcome two daughters, Donna and Brenda to complete their family. Gerry passed away in 2003.
In his early working years, Don worked for Tip Top Dairies in Hillsboro and the Marion County Road and Bridge Department as a truck driver. In 1969, the family moved to Emporia where he worked at IBP, first working on the kill floor and later in blood meal. The family moved back to Marion in 1976, but Don continued to work in Emporia for a total of 13 years. He returned to work for the Marion County Road and Bridge Department in 1982, retiring from there in 2009. In 2007, he married Susan (Reznicek) Cooper. She preceded him in death in 2023.
He spent many hours in his woodworking shop, where he created new pieces or brought new life to others. He also enjoyed recumbent cycling as he and his Labrador “Lady" trekked many miles together throughout the years.
Don is lovingly survived by his daughters and their spouses: Donna and Dennis Bernhardt; and Brenda and Terry Edwards; his 5 grandchildren: Jamie Boden (Jerry); Jessica Heidebrecht (Tyson); Jordan Harper (Wyatt DiLauro); Jacob Harper (Macy); and Luke Dawson (Kelsey Kermmoade); his step grandchildren: Danae Baker, T.C. Edwards, and Alyssa Edwards; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Bob (Sue) Berg; and his ever faithful friend “Lady.".
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the Marion Christian Church. Inurnment will be in the Marion Cemetery.
A Memorial Fund has been established for Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Jost Funeral Home, PO Box 266, Hillsboro, KS, 67063.
Online condolences may be left at www.jostfuneralhome.com.