Michael John Berg

1978 - 2024

Michael John Berg

August 3, 1978 - November 9, 2024

Michael John Berg passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on November 9, 2024. He was born on August 3, 1978, to William and Cindy Berg in La Crosse, WI. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Mike attended La Crosse Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1996. A serious student of math and the sciences, he was very active in music programs, including trumpet in wind ensemble, tenor in robed choir, Grand Central Station show choir, jazz band and piano.

Mike graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 2001 with degrees in electrical engineering, computer science, and communication arts (film). He continued his love of music as a member of the UW Concert Choir. It was there that he also developed a love of improv comedy, performing with ComedySportz during college life and for many years afterward in Chicago with PH and IO. His comic "White Bread & Toast" was published in the campus newspaper while in school and for many years after his graduation.

It was during his years at UW-Madison that he discovered his passion for editing film and video, which would become his lifelong vocation. Upon graduation, he moved to Chicago to pursue a career in that field, working in advertising and post-production houses. Eventually he came to Optimus, where he continued to hone his craft with the support and encouragement of his co-workers and mentors for 13 years. In 2020, he made the decision to be a freelance editor and continued to do the work he loved, primarily in advertising, communications, television pilots and editing a television series on Showtime for two seasons. He loved the creativity of taking hours of film footage and converting it into the message or scene that the director, writers, cinematographers, and producers had envisioned.

Mike married Erica Charles in 2004 and they welcomed the birth of their daughters Elsa and Sadie, now 17 and 15. Mike and Erica eventually divorced, but the two remained friends and caring co-parents. Elsa and Sadie were the light of Mike's life. He loved being their dad, sharing time together and supporting them in all their endeavors. Mike then met Claire Smalley, who loved and laughed by his side for the past 6 years and brought much joy and blessings to his life.

We will always remember Mike's dry wit, wide range of interests, always interesting conversation, kindness, faith, and love for his family and friends. Gatherings were always more fun when he was present.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Elsa and Sadie, partner Claire Smalley, parents William and Cindy Berg, sister Sara Berg, her husband Justin Griffith and their children, Macy, Cooper and Hudson. He is also mourned by his aunts and uncle, Alan and Barbara Berg, Donna Berg, Jean Miller and cousins and their families, Brenda Lowry, Sandra Miller, Julie Baker, Laurie Krenner, Tami Durant, Karen Thompson, Kathi Santeford, Karla Shymanski, and Nate Miller.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chester and Irene Berg, Arthur and Wilma Palmer, uncle Rod Berg and aunt Audrey Kaasa.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division Street, River Forest, Illinois. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Suggested memorials include Grace Lutheran Church, a scholarship at Oak Park River Forest High School in Mike's name for young women pursuing STEM education (https://www.scholarships4oprfhs.org/) or a gift to an organization of the donor's choice that reaches out to families in need.