Donna Berg

Donna Ruth Paulson Berg was born to Arnold and Irene (Martine) Paulson on July 31, 1938, at the Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota.   She grew up on a dairy farm outside of Atwater, Minnesota with her older sister, Eunice and younger brother, Robert. Donna was baptized in the Harrison Presbyterian Church, confirmed in the Atwater Methodist Church and married a Lutheran, creating great respect for all Christian churches. Donna's first two years of formal education took place in Kandiyohi County District 32.  She then attended third grade through high school at Atwater Public School. Donna was a fierce competitor. She proudly showed the Champion Milking Shorthorn Heifer at the Minnesota State Fair in 1951.  Her competitive spirit served her well with her joy of playing cards (Whist and Canasta “Hand and Foot,” among many others) with her husband, children and grandchildren, who could rarely beat her. Donna graduated from St. Cloud State College in three years, with a degree in Mathematics and Library Science. After graduation she married the love of her life on June 26, 1959. Donna and Marlin lived in Jasper, Minnesota for six years and then moved to Pipestone where they have lived for 58 years.

Donna taught 7th and 8th grade math, library science and Phys Ed.  She became the administrator of the Pipestone Alternative School and held that position for 20 years.  She welcomed all wishing to learn with an open heart. Donna was instrumental in the design and construction of Christ the King Lutheran Church, serving on the Building Committee.  She also taught Sunday School and served as Sunday School Superintendent. After retiring from teaching, Donna became a certified real estate appraiser, working 20 years with Marlin in their business. It was a job both enjoyed, as they were able to spend time together driving the rural country side appraising farmland.

Donna and Marlin met at the Kandiyohi County Fair when both of them were showing their 4-H cattle. County fairs, livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions were a big part of Donna and Marlin’s entire life. Friendships, memories and life lessons were gained through raising and showing Suffolk sheep at shows throughout Minnesota and the U.S. with their children and grandchildren. Donna enjoyed supporting her kids, their friends and grandchildren in 4-H, FFA, school sports and other activities. She served as a 4-H leader and volunteer. She loved to “invest in the youth” by teaching and spending time with kids whenever she could.  Donna also enjoyed gardening, sewing, and cooking.

Donna passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the age of 85 years.

Donna is survived by her husband of 64 years, Marlin Berg; four children, Barbara (Jerry) Lindberg of Jericho, Vermont, Philip (Laurel) Berg, of Pipestone, Daniel (Lora) Berg of Brookings, South Dakota, and Daryl (Mary) Berg of Henderson, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren, Emily (Zach) Kingston, Tim (Sarah) Lindberg, Samantha (Evan) Koep, Andrew (Kiah) Berg, Hannah Berg, Isaac Berg, Ethan Berg, Evan Berg, Joshua (Emily) Berg, Jason (Hanna) Berg, Brandon (Anna) Berg, and Haley Berg; and 4 great granddaughters, Adelyn Koep, Marley Koep, Charlotte Kingston, and Harper Berg; and one sister-in-law, Betty Paulson of Atwater, Minnesota.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Eunice (Marlin) Paulson; and brother, Robert Paulson.

Memorials may be directed to the new Pipestone Senior Center.