Paul Berg, 55, of Garretson, passed away on Friday, August 31, 2012 at his home. His funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson. Interment will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Garretson. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. with the family present at 6:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 3, 2012 at Kahler Funeral Home, Dell Rapids. To leave condolences please visit www.kahlerfh.com
Paul Berg was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He was a very tender hearted gentle bachelor of nearly 56 years. Paul grew up on a farm near Garretson SD where he lived his whole life. Paul leaves behind two brothers Danny and David and three sisters Laura, Patti and Amy and his Mother Lorena Berg. He had many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Paul cared greatly for every one of them.
As a child, Paul was quite sickly with severe asthma and allergies so he was unable to work on the farm. As a result of this he found his passion and love for music. He started organ lessons in the 6th grade. He grew into a talented diverse musician. He graduated from Garretson High school in 1974 and Augustana College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in music. Paul worked at Eros Data Center for nearly 30 years until the year 2008.
Paul was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer in March 2009. He has fought the battle with his faith and love for life, greatly exceeding doctor’s expectations. August 31st 2012 the Lord called him home, taking away his pains and struggles. He Loved family. He would spoil the younger kids and nieces and nephews with huge Christmas gifts. All the Nieces and Nephews loved him dearly. He thought the world of the children. In his words “Children are magical.”
Paul was a very diverse musician and could play any kind of music and many kinds of instruments. He was a very polished classical musician. Anybody could just name a song and he could play it. Paul played in the Chosen Few band, The Something New Band and Group Therapy band through his years.
He also was a church organist for numerous churches. The last church he was organist at was the Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson. He had many friends from Zion and loved playing there.
Paul was a very social person and loved visiting with people. He had many friends and enjoyed going out to eat with family and did so nearly every day. Paul from childhood on up had a motorcycle and greatly enjoyed riding with his brothers and friends.
Paul is preceded in death by his father Palmer Berg and Grandparents Bennie and Lenora Berg, and Bjarne and Edna Halvorson. Paul is survived by his mother, Lorena Berg of Garretson; his brothers, Dan (Ellie) Berg of Dell Rapids and David (Laura) Berg of Garretson; his sisters, Laura Boese of Jasper, MN, Patti (Dan) Stensland of Garretson and Amy (Tracy) Kirk of Centerville; his nephews, Joel, Jay, Dustin, and Andres; his nieces, Hallie, NeVaeh, Aaliyah, Ruby, Vivian and Clarice and his many great nieces and nephews.
Paul’s faith in God was very apparent through how he loved people and lived life! Paul’s spirit and music will live on. We will miss him dearly.