Memorial services for Gerald Berg, 65, of Reliance, SD will be Monday, December 29, 2014 at 10:30 am at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain. Burial of the ashes will take place at a later date.

Gerald Gene Berg “Bergie” 65, passed away on December 23, 2014 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD after a brief battle with cancer.

Gerald was born June 4, 1949 to Walter Berg & Viola Mannhalter in Chamberlain SD, the second of six children. Gerald spent his childhood in Reliance, working and growing up living a small town life. Gerald graduated high school from Reliance SD, and from there attended UTS. November 2, 1968 Gerald married his true love Katherine Joyce Moulton and started a family. In the spring of 1969 he entered the army and in May their first child Robin was born. While serving in Italy their second daughter Monica was born in November of 1970. Gerald served in Italy and stateside until March of 1971.

After being honorably discharged from the Army Gerald and Joyce took up permanent residence in Reliance SD, followed by the birth of their son Jarod in January of 1977. Gerald went to work for his father at W.A. Berg Construction, which he eventually took over. He worked as owner/operator of Berg Construction until his passing.

Gerald spent his years in the Reliance area with his friends and family, his wit and ability to weave a story were matched only by his brilliance with a carpenters pencil and a hammer. Many folks travel the roads of middle South Dakota but Gerald lived and breathed, built and dreamed them. There were no challenges he could not face, nor anything he could not build. Work was no stranger to Gerald, the day started on Monday and ended on Christmas or whichever holiday he was forced to observe, and even then it was only enough of a break to eat, have a toddy, play some cards and bring everyone to stitches with his laughter and another tale from hunting season. Gerald was blessed with many friends and loving family members, but those he treasured most were his grandchildren. Not a single grandchild ever went without a hug, a smile, a lesson learned or story told. A nap with a baby was a secret passion, no one seemed to notice when this giant of a man settled down in his chair with a grandchild on his chest and a smile on his face. Gerald’s legacy can be seen in all that he built, all that he loved and the smiles and stories of those that knew him.

Gerald is survived by his wife Joyce, his sister Melaine Berg of Gillette WY, two daughters Robin Vail(Chad) of Riverton, WY and Monica Volk(Gary) Carver, MN and his son Jarod Berg of Reliance, SD. six grandchildren Christina Green, Anthony Vail, Jordan Volk, Sydney Volk, Christian Hoffer and Neveah Hoffer; two great grandchildren Cameron and Madison Green and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Dianne Hrabe and Melinda Glover; two brothers Calvin Berg and Maynard Berg and brother-in-law Dyrk Hrabe.