Russell E. Berg, age 84 of rural Argyle, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018 at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Monroe. He was born June 19, 1933 in Woodford, the son of Rudy and Irma (Andrews) Berg. Russell graduated from Argyle High School in 1952. He was united in marriage to Darlene Joyce Matley on Feb. 21, 1954 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington.
Russell is survived by his five children: Robin (Carolynn) Berg of Darlington, Melody (Frank) Loeffelholz of Monroe, Royal Berg and Randy Berg both of Argyle, and Caramel (David) Huber of Cedarville, Ill.; grandchildren: Hailee (Ryan) Kammerud, Brittany (Thomas) Saalsaa, Heidi (Jeremy) Taylor, and Tyler Huber; great-grandchildren: Thea, Sophie, and Millie Kammerud, Deante Seals and Zander Saalsaa, and Clark Taylor; step-grandchildren: Shelly (Mike) Mueller and Steven (Angie) O’Bel; step-great-grandchildren: Jessica and Hannah Mueller, and Tatum, Riley, and Gavin O’Bel; and two sisters: Joan Everson of Monroe and Joyce Moen of New Glarus. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Darlene on May 22, 2017; and two sisters: Jean Meier and Cynthia Seffrood.
Russell was passionate about blood donation and over the years was recognized for donating over 22 gallons of blood. He was known to support many local blood banks in the area. Russell was a member of Argyle Lutheran Church serving on the church council for many years and was a lifetime member of The Argyle Rod and Gun Club. He was also a member of the Argyle Lions Club, Sons of Norway, and Green County Ag Chest for many years.
In his early years, Russell enjoyed the local tractor pull competitions with his Allis-Chalmers WD 45, which led to an extensive collection of tractors throughout the years. He was known to frequent many local auctions in pursuit of his hobby. Russell loved a good parade and enjoyed the music of many polka bands. He and Darlene loved to dance at various festivals which sometimes meant traveling to different nearby states. Russell farmed his entire life, never really retiring from it. He has passed to be with his wife Darlene; now free from the battle with leukemia.
A funeral service was held Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ (339 E. Louisa Street, Darlington) where Rev. Barbara Brakey and Rev. Daniel L. Bohlman of Argyle Lutheran Church co-officiated. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date. A visitation was held Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Russell’s name.