Laurence and Vicki Garves-Berg Berg

Laurence "Larry" Berg, of Houlton, WI, along with his beloved wife of 13 years Vicki Garves-Berg, and dear friend Brett Weller, died tragically in a plane crash on January 30, 2009. Larry and Vicki serve as reminders that life can be lived to the fullest; and that a life filled with passionate pursuits is where the real meaning lies. Among his many pursuits, Larry was an accomplished sailor, an avid helicopter skier, a certified ski instructor and examiner, a triathlete, a state champion swimmer (high school and college), an enthusiastic outdoorsman, and a licensed pilot with an instrument rating. Larry graduated from Stillwater High School and attended Bemidji State University and UW-Eau Claire. He was employed by Andersen Corporation in Bayport, MN since 1977 and was a member of the Quarter Century Club. Larry was born on October 2, 1957 in St. Charles, LA to Gwendolyn and James Berg. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gwendolyn S. Berg on October 2, 2004. Larry is survived by father, James Berg, Sun Lakes, AZ and sister, Laura Rapp and husband Joseph Rapp; nieces and nephew, Camden, Natalie, and James Rapp, Austin, TX. Larry also leaves behind former spouse of ten years, Anne Berg, Golden Valley, MN. Vicki graduated from Logan High School in La Crosse, WI in 1973 and then received degrees in Nursing and Nurse Anesthetist. Vicki worked at various medical facilities through her own firm, Vital Anesthesia Services. She was born on September 20, 1955, in La Crosse, WI to Kenneth and Ardell M. Garves. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ardell Garves on April 16, 2006. Vicki is survived by her father, Kenneth Garves and her brother, Daniel and wife Bobbi Garves. Both Larry and Vicki will be deeply missed. Please join us to celebrate their passion for life at a gathering of friends and family. A memorial visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, at 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.