Lorena P. Berg, 79, of Garretson passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at her home. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson with the Rev. Steve Moberg officiating. Interment will be in the St. Paul Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home, Dell Rapids, on Sunday, January 26, 2014. To leave condolences please visit www.kahlerfh.com.
Lorena Patrica Halvorson was born on January 1, 1935 in Vienna, SD to Bjarne and Edna Halvorson. She moved with her family to Dell Rapids when she was about 5 years old. She attended Dell Rapids School where she graduated in 1953.
Before she was married, she worked in the bakery in Dell Rapids, as a secretary at the Ford dealership, and the Cottage in Sioux Falls. After getting married and having kids, she became a dedicated stay at home mom for years. In 1985, she started working at Children’s Care Hospital and School as a child care worker for 17 years, which she took great pride in.
Lorena met Palmer Berg right out of high school and they married June 4th, 1955. Together they had a very strong loving relationship and raised six children. They endured a great deal of hardships and also had lots of happiness. The two of them showed the true meaning of “Till death do us part” as mom held dad’s hand while he took his last breaths. They spent nearly 50 years together when he passed on April 10, 2004.
Lorena was a dear, loving, selfless person who did not let anyone get away without a hug. After dad died she wasn’t sure she would be able to go on but she found purpose in worrying about everyone else. With the love and support of her family she was able to find joy and peace in life again.
Her son, Paul, was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, she made it her mission to take care of him. She became an even stronger woman at this time. Her faith grew stronger though it was always extremely strong as she always showered us with prayers. Now she would use all her power to keep Paul strong. He passed away August 31, 2012.
She so dearly loved calls and visits from her kids, and if you put the grandkids on the phone…even the ones not talking….Grandma could talk to them for hours. Grandkids and great-grandkids were her pride and joy. One of her favorite songs was “Jesus Loves Me” and she loved it when her grandchildren sang it to her.
After Paul died she was frightened as this was the first time in her life she was alone. She learned to adjust with the support of her loved ones. For anyone who knows her there are pictures plastered everywhere in her house. She needed Dad and Paul there watching out for her all the time. Mom was a tough person and she always kept busy.
She had been coerced into joining the Garretson Red Hatters after dad passed away, which she enjoyed and talked about all the time. She was also a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson, SD. She took swim therapy at Sanford Wellness Center three days per week. She took great joy in having her grandkids spend the night with her, when possible. Every time you came to visit her she had a big smile on her face. She was always up for a trip to town when offered. Mother was a very warm hearted, loving lady who loved every one. She loved company and people!
She was preceeded by her husband, Palmer; son, Paul; her parents, brother, Gerald; sisters, Alvera Ferris, Bernice Bokker, and Arlene Schildhauer.
She is survived by her children, Amy (Tracy) Kirk, and their children, Ruby, Vivian and Clarice; David (Laura) Berg and their child, Trinity; Patti (Dan) Stensland, and their children, NeVaeh, Andres and Aaliyah; Laura (friend, Tom) Boese, and children, Joel and Jay; Danny (Ellie) and their children, Dustin and Halie; her brother-in-law, Arnold Schildhauer, and many great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.