Gordon Paul Berge, 92

Gordon Paul Berge, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, age 92. Gordy was born October 27, 1931 in Decorah, Iowa to Paul and Palma (Johnson) Berge, and passed away March 13, 2024 at home in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Gordy lived his life filled with gratitude. He was grateful for Elaine, his loving wife of nearly 65 years; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his caring grandparents Johnny and Martha Johnson; for his high school football coach Art Hass, for his service in the US Army, for his employer, for his friends and neighbors in Minnesota and Arizona, and to those who cared for him during the final years of his life.

Gordy graduated from Decorah (Iowa) High School in 1949 where he played football and ran track. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, earning the rank of Sergeant. Gordy married Elaine VonFeldt on October 9, 1954 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota, where they raised their family. During a 37 year career at Weyerhaeuser, Gordy worked as a machine operator and served as Shop Steward for the union and on the union contract negotiating committee.

Gordy was loving, kind, thoughtful, generous, respectful, and practiced uncommon courtesy. He’d make a point to tell his children and their spouses often how proud he was of them, and how much he loved them. Gordy presented his wife Elaine and each of his four adult daughters a red rose on Mother’s Day. With parent’s permission, he’d offer little children money to buy a treat. Gordy offered unexpected compliments, held doors to let others pass, gave up his seat for others, and dispensed advice and nuggets of wisdom about how to live life, including making the most of each day. While raising their family, Gordy and Elaine befriended then cared for five neighbors otherwise alone, enfolding them into their family, including them for meals, family gatherings, and holidays for more than 30 years.

Even into his 90s, Gordy loved to dance. In our hearts he will be forever dancin’ with his darlin’ Elaine to the Tennessee Waltz. Gordy loved to laugh and kid-around, and created many wonderful family memories, in Austin, at holidays, and during more than 30 summers at their lake home near Waterville, Minnesota. Gordy enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren, on fishing-opener trips with friends to northern Minnesota, and on annual family fishing trips to Canada. Gordy played pool with his buddies in Arizona and with family members. Gordy delighted in watching his children and grandchildren compete in high school and college sports, and was a longtime fan of the Twins and Vikings. He frequented garage sales, discovered treasures, negotiated deals, and shared his finds with family.

Gordy is survived by his five children Jean Beckel, Sharon (Dennis) Doffing, Barb (Tom) Singsank, David Berge, and Donna (John) Davis. Gordy was a loving grandfather to his eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They include Michael (Gloria) Beckel, Elizabeth (Patrick) Fitzjarrald, Rebecca Doffing, Kelly Doffing, Daniel Doffing (fiancé Bethany Higgins), Matthew Singsank, Sarah Singsank (Cassie Ludden), Katie Singsank, John Davis, Bobby (Alison) Davys, Anna Davis, and great-grandchildren Clara and Alec Fitzjarrald, and Robin Davys.

Gordy was preceded in death by Elaine Berge, his life-long love. Gordy and Elaine literally walked through life holding hands for nearly 65 years. Also preceding Gordy were his parents, his sisters, Tevaleen Winger, Betty Enright, Norma Jean Berge, Goldie Hjelmen, and Marion Strong, and by beloved son-in-law, Allan Beckel.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Tuesday March 19, 2024. Friends and family may call at the Church between 10-11am. Pax Christi Catholic Church, 12100 Pioneer Trl, Eden Prairie, MN 55347. A light lunch follows Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gianna Homes Minnetonka, the Alzheimer’s Association, or to a food shelf of the donor’s choice. Private interment for family at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery, Belle Plaine, Minnesota. Arrangements by Washburn-McReavy Funeral home, Eden Prairie.

The Berge family would like to thank particularly the staff at Gianna Homes and Park Nicollet Hospice for their compassionate end-of-life care, and all those who have supported Gordy and our family as Gordy lived with Alzheimer’s. We are forever grateful.