June K. Berg

Berg, June K. (Rolstad) of Fridley, MN passed away October 23, 2008 after a long weary struggle with Alzheimer's and just 16 days, short of her 81st birthday on November 8. Preceded in death by her parents, Haldis and Henry Rolstad and one sister, Lenore. June was raised on a small dairy farm near Colfax, WI during the great depression years. June graduated from Colfax High School in 1946. She was first employed at Gillette Tire and Presto Cooker factories in Eau Claire and later Doughboy Industries in New Richmond. She married Stanton Berg in 1952 and became a homemaker, a wife and the love and light of Stan's life. She later became a loving mother and grandmother. June lived with Stan and the family first in Chisholm, then Duluth and finally Fridley. She traveled extensively with Stan to international forensic science conferences throughout the US, Canada and Europe. She was part of an early forensic cultural exchange with Russia in 1969 at the height of the cold war. She visited her favorite city London 8 times. In particular she enjoyed visits with her friends the Bruce family of nearby Bexley, Kent just south of London. A trip to Rome in 1973 resulted in an audience and a handshake with Pope Paul at the Vatican. She led 2 trips to Norway taking her mother and later her sister Betty to visit her mother's birthplace in Rodoy. She loved dancing. She and Stan danced the night away in such exotic places as Moscow and Leningrad. She has participated in State receptions by Her Majesty's Government (UK), President Leone (Italy), City and State of Zurich, City and University of Edinburgh, US Embassy in Rome and many others. Personal photography of family and rtravel was a great joy to her. June had many interests as evidenced by her array of collections. (Angels, Avon Collectibles, Bells, Cobalt Blue Depression Glass, Cups, Dolls, Historical Family Pictures, Plates and Spoons.) June enjoyed the many outings with the family in the early days for "Rock Hounding" and Agate collecting. Camping out with her family for a week in Custer Park, SD was for years and annual event. June also much enjoyed her church activities at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley where she was a member for 50 years. She participated for several years in the (College Level) International (BSF) Bible Study Fellowship. June delivered "Meals on Wheels." She also served on the Church Board. She taught Sunday school, was member of the Bell Choir and frequently served as a Church Greeter on Sunday. She was a Girl Scout Leader. June also served on an evangelism team that called on church members and visitors. She was a frequent nursing home visitor. In 1995 June co-sponsored a little African girl from Kenya through her church endorsed Compassion International children's program. That has been continued to the present date. She was a longtime member of the Fridley American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading. Her favorite author was Max Lucado. She enjoyed the music of the 40s and 50s, as well as classical gospel music. Her first love was the Country and Old Time music that she grew up with. The violin's soulful sounds always brought poignant memories of her youth and a father who played the violin. June was a modest and humble lady. Her friends and family will always remember June's sweet, kind, loving nature and a smile that would light up her entire face. June gave little import to her own accomplishments. She was a lady who possessed both a great inner and an outer beauty. June's character and personality never strayed far from that of the original Colfax, WI farm girl. Survived by husband, Stan; daughters, Susan Ellen and Julie Lynn; sons, David Michael (Khim) and Daniel Lee (Diane); grandchildren, Kristen Maria, Gretchen Kay, Steven Oneal, Jordan Mackenzie, Allison Leigh, Michael Curtis, Amanda Marie, Erik Oneal, Emily Rose, and Daniel Morgan; great-grandchildren, Andrea Jean, Brianna Holly, Marijane Antoinette, Owen Oneal and Katrina Ann; sisters, Lyndell and Betty; brothers, Denis and Jerry. Memorials preferred to the June K. Berg Old Chapel Repair Memorial Fund at Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association. Funeral service 11 AM Monday, October 27, 2008 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 61 NE Mississippi Way, Fridley, MN 55432 (763-574-7445). Visitation in church Monday 1 hour prior to service. Following a church luncheon, interment Lakewood Cemetery, Mpls. Miller Funeral Home Fridley Chapel 763-571-1300
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.