Rev. Dr. Donald Lauren Berg

The Reverend Dr. Donald Lauren Berg, 89, completed his earthly pilgrimage, fittingly on All Saints Day, Thursday, November 1, 2018. He and his wombmate, twin brother Dean, were born in Huron, South Dakota, September 21, 1929, the sons of H. Gottfred and Celeste (Bergstrom) Berg.

Rev. Berg received his BA from Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN in 1951, his BD-MD from Augustana Theological Seminary, Rock Island, IL in 1955, and his Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL in 1984.

He married his life partner, Mary Ann Stollenwerk Berg on August 16, 1953 and they celebrated fifty-four years of marriage before her passing in 2008. Together they served in ministry for thirty-six years. Having served at the First Lutheran Churches in both Prentice and Westboro, WI (1955-1961), Bethel Lutheran, Menominee, MI (1961-1969), Pilgrim Lutheran in Superior, WI (1969-1989), and as Missionaries in Cameroon, West Africa (1989-1991), retiring in 1991. Returning to ministry in 1993, he went on to serve as Pastor Emeritus at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Superior for twenty-five years.

Rev. Berg also served as a member of Synod Executive Boards, the Lutheran Historical Society, a missionary for Global Missions (Cameroon), Vice President, Board of Directors of the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, IL, President of the Board of the Northern Waters 8 County State Library System, and was a member of the Lions, Rotary, Optimists and Douglas County & Superior Senior Citizens Commission.

Rev. Berg is survived by his children, Scott (Cecelia), Laurie, Lynnae, Geoffrey (Becky), Kristin (Floyd), Jonathan (Ellie) and Chiu; grandchildren, Meagan (Andy), Nicole (Matt), Jacob (Corey), Michel (Scott), Timothy (Krista), Madalyn (Joey), Kylie, Estee (Beau) and Geoffrey; great-grandchildren, Nona, Millee and Elijah; siblings, Carol and David (Nancy); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary and dear twin brother, Dean.

A celebration of Pastor Don’s life will be held on Friday, November 16, 2018 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap Street, Superior. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the 11:00 AM service, immediately followed by a luncheon at the church.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Gene Karwoski and the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital and BHC.

Memorials may be made in Don’s name to his beloved parish, Pilgrim Lutheran Church.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com .