Norbert A. Bergs

Many of you knew our dad, Norbert A. Bergs. He passed away Sunday afternoon, September 17th, with his wife, Dolores and son, Peter, at his side following a lingering chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Often times these past couple months, he would point to Heaven and say, "He knows when it will be my time". Our Dad had a strong faith in God. Norbert was born in Poniatowski on January 27th, 1924, to William and Margaret (Schueller) Bergs. On September 27th, 1944, he was united in marriage to Dolores Kordus at Sacred Heart Church in Cassel. As a father, he taught us responsibility at an early age, the value of working hard and respecting others. In addition to farming in the Township of Cassel for 40+ years, Dad touched the lives of many area farmers. For 40 years he was Business Secretary of Cassel Garden Farmers Co-op. We all remember going to sleep at night listening to the hum of the adding machine as he made out milk statements for the patrons. He collected ASCS soil samples from Marathon County farmers for 25 years and served on the Marco Co-op Board for 16 years. In 1972, Dad became Bookkeeper for Mid-Whey Powder Company in Edgar. He established West Market Co-op in Mosinee serving as its only President. Dad was a successful and wise businessman. Sacred Heart Church benefited from his involvement, having served on the Advisory Board and as Secretary of the Holy Name Society. Dad embraced the changes of the Second Vatican Council and became one of the first Lectors, serving in that role for many years. He also helped establish the Sacred Heart Cemetery committee. Together with Mom, they sang in the church choir. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Leo Court NO. 795. Our parents loved to dance and were dancing partners in the Marathon Square Dance club. They traveled to various states in the US, to Canada, Mexico and were part of tour groups to Europe and Great Britain. We'll always remember Dad for his sharp skills in playing various card games. Norbert is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Dolores, 10 children, 25 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Suzette (Harold) Matis, Mosinee, 3 children, Chad (Amy) Matis, children Bailey and Carson; Rachel (Kevin) Voeltzke, children Samantha, Tyler and Tucker; Laurie (Joe) Ramsey, daughter, Angelica. Sister Paulette Bergs, Wausau. Roxann Bialecki, Merrill, 6 children, Greg, Nathan, Stephanie (Robert) Denson and son Logan, Cheryl, Rhonda and Rebecca. Maxine (Lee) Beach, De Pere, 3 Step-children Sean, Heather and Allison. Frank (Deb) Bergs, Rowlett, Texas, 2 children Richard and Sarah. Timothy (Susan) Bergs, Baraboo, 3 children Jennifer, Daniel and Nathan. Peter Bergs, Marathon. William (Mary Jo) Bergs, Janesville, 3 children Katelyn, Anthony and Zachary. JuliAnn Bergs, Green Bay, special friend, Art Formiller. Mark (Jane) Bergs, Edgar, 5 children Theresa, David, Monica, Matthew and Catherine. He is further survived by four sisters in law, Josephine Bergs, Edgar, Marcella Bergs, Marshfield, Ursalla Kordus, Nebraska and Virginia Szudajski, Milwaukee. One brother in law, Sylvester Bergs, Wausau, plus numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Joseph and two sisters, Therese Bergs and Clara Miller. We will honor our Dad at an 11AM Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Cassel on Saturday, September 23rd; it will be concelebrated by Father Joseph Rafacz, Father Donald Berg and Father Joseph Diermeier. Visitation will be held Friday, September 22nd from 4-8PM at Peterson/Kramer Funeral Home, Marathon, with a Prayer Service at 7PM. A parish rosary will begin at 10AM Saturday at the church, followed by visitation until the time of services. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial funds can be directed to Sacred Heart Church, Cassel or the Sisters of St. Joseph, 3rd Order of St. Francis, Stevens Point. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. T. Murray Baker and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their tender care. Dad, we will miss your presence in our lives, your silly sense of humor and giving us hugs on our way out the door. Love you always, Dolores and family.