SHIRLEY BERG

Shirley Lois (Utech) Berg of Neenah, Wisconsin passed away peacefully with family nearby on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the age of 95. She lived a life full of love and joy. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Shirley will remain forever in our hearts.

Shirley was born in Le Mars, Iowa on her family's farm on February 11, 1929, to George and Jennie (Attleson) Utech. She was the oldest of four children. Shirley graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1946. Upon graduation, Shirley attended a local community college and after 2 years became a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Le Mars. Shirley was an active member of the Luther League in her church. 

Shirley met her future husband, Harvey Berg, in 1954. The two fell in love and were married on February 15, 1955. They remained happily married for over 66 years, until Harvey passed away in 2021. 

In 1955, Harvey and Shirley moved to Germany, where Harvey served as Army chaplain to a unit in Bad Kissingen. Upon returning to the US, Harvey and Shirley moved to Strum, Wisconsin, where Harvey served as the Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church until 1961. Their first son, David, was born in 1959. When Harvey was called to active duty, the couple then moved to Tacoma, Washington.

In 1963, Harvey accepted a call to University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the family remained until 1967. During this period, their second son Douglas was born in 1964, and their daughter Deborah was born in 1965. One of Shirley's absolute greatest joys in life was raising their three children. 

In 1967, the family moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin, where Harvey and Shirley lived until 2014. While Shirley worked in various part-time roles, she would tell you that her most important responsibility in life was caring for their children. Her daughter Deborah married Scott Beyer of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Shirley became a proud grandmother to granddaughter Anna in 2001. In 2014, Harvey and Shirley relocated to Neenah to be near Deborah and her family. The extended family traveled extensively together, including multiple cruises to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Shirley loved spending time with her family, traveling, and going to church. She was known for her good humor, strength of character, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith. She will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harvey and son David, parents Jennie and George Utech, brother George Utech, and sister Carolyn (Utech) Meyer. She is survived by her son Douglas, daughter Deborah (Scott) Beyer, granddaughter Anna Beyer, brother Willard (Barb) Utech, and sister-in-law Krestie Utech, as well as by nieces and nephews and other family members. 

A Memorial Service will be held for Shirley at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1140 Tullar Road, Neenah. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in memory of Shirley. The family would like to thank the caregivers from Valley VNA and Synergy Healthcare for their wonderful in-home care.