Debra Berg

Debra Berg

April 17, 1953 - October 13, 2024

SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL - Debra Berg went to be with the Lord on October 13, 2024 following a four year battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Paul, of Saint Augustine, Fla.; two stepdaughters: Janie (Berg) Neckermann and her husband Rich Neckermann, Battle Creek, Mich., and Julie Berg, Eustis, Fla.; two granddaughters: Lucy Neckermann and Madeline Neckermann also in Battle Creek; her brother-in-law, Magnus Berg and his wife, Pam of Cape Coral, Fla.; sister-in-law, Kathy Fletcher of Cape Coral, Fla.; and cousins: Diana Burtch, Champaign; Jim Burtch, Savoy; and Bob and Marcy Burtch, Batavia. She was also great friends with Peg and Fred Hanshaw of Oakland, Ill., who provided support and prayers before and during her illness.

Debra was a writer and a researcher and published "The Power of One" in 2004 which highlighted non-profit organizations who successfully solved social problems without government support or funding. Debra had a passion for helping organizations replicate successful civic solutions and had a radio show that brought civic organizations together to solve common problems. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Illinois and had a keen interest in local government politics and policies. Earlier in her career she worked for three state legislatures in Illinois, Kentucky and Minnesota writing and drafting legislative proposals for elected representatives. She also worked in the health care industry and wrote technical manuals for software companies. She also worked as marketing director/consultant for several non-profit organizations.

She was a lifelong Fighting Illini fan and especially enjoyed the football and basketball teams. She also became a rabid Caitlin Clark and women's basketball fan and was looking forward to a powerhouse Illini women's basketball team in coming years. She was also a cat lover and leaves behind Bella, her calico companion who misses her very much.

Debra was born in Urbana, Ill., on April 17, 1953, to Glenn Wright and Norma Jean (Burtch) Wright. Her mother raced to the hospital after outrunning a tornado later identified as the first tornado ever recorded on Doppler Radar. She married Paul Berg on November 14, 2004. Her endless support and interest in his local government career was the essential element contributing to his success. She loved her family and her grandchildren and enjoyed their visits to Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to:

City Rescue Mission of Jacksonville at CRMjax.org , or Global Christian Relief at GCRelief.org.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon, Monday, October 28, 2024 at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Dr. West, Savoy. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Champaign.

The visitation will be one hour prior.

Condolences may be offered at www.morganmemorialhome.com.