George Ashley Berg, born February 19th, 1952, passed away peacefully January 17th, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Townsend, MT to Nancy and Sidney Berg, the second of four children. He grew up splitting time between White Sulphur Springs, Fort Logan Ranch and summers spent with extended family in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.
He studied agriculture and fun at MSU. The only disappointment he had in his family was when his daughters both graduated from U of M.
He married his sweetheart, Ellen Arthun, (of Wilsall), June 25, 1978. She had a chance to back out when he called her that morning to ask if she just wanted to be friends! They got married and enjoyed sorting cows and haying together until she was relegated to the B squad, Ashley, Kelly and Sam being old enough to help.
He was devoted to his family. He was generous, patient and always ready to lend a helping hand. His quiet ability to teach his kids the ways of the ranch, was a true testament to his character. He was a great Papa to Bryce and Ellie, finding numerous quarters in their ears, sharing morning donuts and setting Bryce (Buster) up with his own tool drawer in the shop.
He loved pulling water-skiers at Newlan Lake, shooting gophers out of his yellow jeep and cheering on the Packers. He was a great storyteller and a skilled prankster. He recently broke his thumb in a (luckily) successful prank on his daughter Kelly. He was a wonderful ping-pong and cribbage player. Aaron Bailey got a muggins playing cribbage against him, and has been known as Muggsie ever since.
He hated winter, wind and bulls, not necessarily in that order. To combat one issue, he got involved doing AI, and was a representative for Select Sires and later, ABS. He was proud to have his son, Sam, take over as the new ABS representative.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ellen (Arthun) Berg, sisters Jane (Eric) Kato and Mary (Fred) Lind, brother Jim Berg, sister-in-law Julie (Gary) Amundson, daughters Ashley (Nate) Bashkirew and Kelly (Paul) Ludlow and his son Sam (Chennell) Berg, his grandchildren, Bryce (5) and Ellie (1 1/2) Bashkirew, along with his other “son,” Jason (Christie) Barker, and his two special girls, Libby Johnston (Ty Wells) and Mari (Tyler) Hamm. His aunt, Mary Price, still resides in Lake Mills, and he has cousins, nieces and nephews scattered throughout the U.S.
We know he would not want any fuss made, so a formal service will not be held. If you have stories or memories you’d like to share, we would love to hear them. If you would like to make donations, please do so to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
shelley dempsey says
I have such fond memories of coaching with George. He was a kind man and he will be missed. I’m so thankful that we stopped to visit last summer with George and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Susan Voldseth Rice says
Ellen and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
Susan and Larry Rice
Rick and Jeanne Gilman says
Ellen, Ashley, Kelly, Sam and family,
Our shock and sorrow is too deep…he continues loving all of you and will be missed by so many. Stay strong in each other.
George L Hledik says
George is the first of our HS class of 70 to pass. I’m sorry for the loss to his family and friends. All that knew him knew what a special person he was. R.I.P. Mr. Berg !
Brad and Crystal Doig says
Punk, Ashley, Kelly, Sam and all Family,
So many great memories of George. Touched all of us so much. It was George (with Sam bouncing alongside in the pickup) that came up to the field one Sunday morning (May/1989) and told me….”You ‘bes get your butt to town, your wife is in labor, Sam and I can take over farming.” I’m sure I owe George many $5 bills and several cocktails from Griz/Cat bets as well as Packer/Seahawk bets over the years – I’ll pay may debts to you when we meet again my friend. Brandings (highlighted by Punk’s awesome meals), hunting requests, stories – including the last time we had coffee at George and Punk’s table and George saying…”well, let me know when you kill a deer, ‘cuz my favorite part of hunting is ‘guttin’ and draggin’, then I’ll get involved”. Could go on and on. Cheers to a GREAT MAN!! Love to all.
Brad and Crystal
Gail and Lorrie Vennes says
Ellen and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May our Lord bring you peace.
Verta and Larry Dorseth says
Punk and family, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending our condolences to you all.
John Amundson and family says
We were so sorry to hear about Uncle George’s passing. I remember spending time on the ranch as a kid, and I enjoyed his quiet sense of humor. He was always kind and was a great role model in terms of what it meant to work hard. He’d spend time schooling us kids at ping pong, cribbage, or poker. I don’t ever recall beating him. We spent time as a family together, and I miss those days. He was wise beyond his years, and he will be missed.
Ray and Linda Ansotegui says
George Berg was a special, generous man. With the upcoming A.I. season, we suspect he is busy taking care of God’s big ranch in the sky. He will be missed.