Ella Mae Berg

Ella Mae Berg, 95, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at her home in the company of family.

Ella was born on August 25, 1929, in Austin, the daughter of Franz “Frank” and Augustina “Gustie” (Pekarek) Zrucky. Ella grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School.

She met and would marry the love of her life and her soulmate, Richard “Dick” Berg, on September 3, 1949. (She admitted part of the attraction was that he looked like the actor Tyrone Power, and she was smitten by the thoughtfulness of this soldier returned home from World War II who bought a stove for his mom and who liked to help care for his sister’s twins.)

Ella enjoyed being a mother and homemaker plus had several jobs and volunteer positions during her lifetime. Among her jobs, all in Austin, were as a car hop at a drive-in as a teenager, in the office at George A. Hormel & Co. from 1947-51 (one of her favorite jobs), at the service counter at Nelson’s Super Market and in various roles at Sumner Elementary School. Her volunteer work centered around Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where she and Dick were faithful longtime members. She served as a member of the church’s funeral committee and on a quilting circle for many years. She also volunteered at the local hospital.

Ella loved spending time with family and friends. Ella’s infectious smile, positive attitude and sense of humor influenced everyone around her. Having lived all of her life in Austin, she was able to keep friends from her school days and would often meet with them at local restaurants. She enjoyed playing games of all sorts and really loved playing cards. She belonged to several card clubs that she attended during the week – and with a wee bit of competitiveness was tickled when she won a quarter that week. Speaking of being competitive, she was a huge fan of the Twins, the Vikings and the University of Minnesota Gophers.

Ella was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her beloved grandson Garrett Berg; her parents; her brothers Ed, Jim, Frank and Joe, and her sisters, Mary Peterson and Agnes Quinn.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, David and Cindy Berg, full-time travelers, Robert Berg and Konnie LeMay, Duluth, Minn., Steve and Lori Berg, Farmington, Minn.; grandchildren Mandy (Bryan) Wehler, Melissa (Brent) Palmer, and Hailey Berg; five great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration memorial on Saturday, Apr. 12, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minn., starting with a wake at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. and a reception after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks people to make donations in Ella’s memory to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church’s quilting group or food shelf at 1600 W. Oakland Ave, Austin, MN 55912.

Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.