Mary Berg

Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Berg, age 94, of Terril will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Milford. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 5:00-7:00pm with a rosary recited at 7:00pm at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford.

Mary Catherine (Burns) Berg was born November 8, 1930, to Bernard (Ben) and Viola (Brennan) Burns in Estherville, Iowa. She had three older siblings- Joe, Betty, and Jim as well as a younger sister, Margaret. Mary had many fond memories of the years growing up and shared them with her own family often.

She graduated from Estherville High School in 1949 and attended Estherville Junior College. From there, she worked at the Emmet County Bank until after she married and developed many lifelong friendships.

While at a skating rink, she caught the eye of a young man who swept her off her feet, Charles Berg. They were married January 17, 1955, and enjoyed working side by side for the next 55 years, until Charles passed away in 2010. Charles worked with his family on their farm until the couple rented a farm near Dickens, IA in 1956 and began to build their farm business. Their sons continue to farm that place 68 years later. In 1965 Mary and Charles bought their home farm west of Terril and moved their family. Mary remained there for 60 years until her death. Mary was a “town” gal who quickly adapted to and became very engaged in farm life. From caring for children and livestock, to driving machinery, and managing the books. She and Charles served as wonderful role models for their six children- Diane, Joanne, Marsha, Teresa, Charles, and Joseph who all graduated from the Terril School system. The family worked hard but also managed to have fun along the way, even if it was a Saturday working with the livestock or a hot summer day walking beans or baling hay, picnics to the field, or a Saturday night drive around to the Lakes.

Mary and Charles honeymooned in Texas and Mexico but then had limited traveling until the kids were grown. They enjoyed going to the south and northwestern states as well as to Key West. When Charles’ health failed, she became his caregiver. After his passing Mary remained active with St Joseph’s church in Milford, girls shopping trips, traveling, weekly coffee at the Terril Library and a luncheon group with her church, and hosting family members throughout the year for big gatherings as there are now over 60 in the family! Her last big trip was two years ago with 4 of her children and her sister to Boston to visit her brother and family. Mary was an avid reader and excellent seamstress.

Mary was strong in mind, body, and spirit but about a year ago she was diagnosed with colon cancer and had that beat, only to be diagnosed with Mesothelioma. The disease and treatment took its toll as her family helped her through this process with Hospice assisting over the past weeks.

She is survived by her children- Diane (Joe) Hunt, Marshalltown; Joanne (Ron) Stoner, North Liberty; Marsha (Brian) Adolph, Coralville; Teresa (Dave) Anderson, Sioux City; Chuck (Steph) Berg, Milford; and Joe Berg, Milford. There are 18 grandchildren as well as spouses and 21 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Jim from Massachusetts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary was a member of the Rosary and Alter Society and Catholic Daughters of St Joesph’s Parish in Milford.

She is preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Joe and Margret Berg, siblings Joe, Sister Elizabeth, and Margaret.

Mary passed away Oct. 23, 2025, at Spencer Hospital under hospice care surrounded by her family.

Memorials can be directed to St. Josephs Church Milford for cemetery upkeep, Hospice of Spencer, or Terril Library.