George C. Berg, CWO 2 (Ret)
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Saturday, June 20, 2009 - Granny sent me Uncle George's obituary so I copied and pasted it here along with the pictures that Debbie sent to my dad and mom. I think it's only right to have it in one of my journals. After all, he was my dad's brother and one of the few people who knew George all his life. Interesting thought, isn't it. God bless, Uncle George. later, djb
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George C. Berg was born October 30, 1925 to Sadie Vesta Berg and George Burton Berg in Rochelle Ill, went to be with the Lord on June 19, 2009. George graduated from Alden Community High School in Alden, Ill. He enlisted in the USAir Force on December 17, 1943. He left the service on January 9, 1946 After spending time picking strawberries for 5 cents a basket he re-enlisted in the Air Force on August 13, 1946. During World War II he served with the 504^th Bomber Group in the Asiatic- Pacific as a tail gunner on a B-29. He also served overseas in Tinian Island, Panama, Japan and the Philippines. During his military service in the states he was stationed in Bellingham, Washington, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Orlando, Florida and Jacksonville, Florida where after 20 years of service he retired July 31, 1964.

During his military service he received the following decorations and awards. Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, AF Presidential Unit Citation, USAAF Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asia-Pacific Medal, World II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four bronze oak leaf clusters, United Nations Service Medal, Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Battle Star, Good Conduct Knots, Chief Warrant Officer (CWO2) Shoulder Boards, Silver Bullion Aircrew Wings, Silver Bullion Missile Maintenance Badge and B29 Pin.

His standard of conduct and leadership provided an excellent example for those who were associated with him during his military career and for his family.

He met Helen L. Wittman in Bellingham where they were married August 4, 1950. They had four children. He enjoyed RVing with his family, gardening, barbequing, boating and spending time with his friends at the St. Augustine Yacht club where he was Assistant Commodore for many years. He went back to school after he retired and obtained a BA in Business specializing in Real Estate.

George faced many health challenges but always had a positive outlook never complaining. He was on dialysis for 5 years before receiving a kidney transplant 15 years ago. We are grateful to the family who gave us the gift of our father for an additional 15 years. It was always a joke that the only working body part he had was his kidney and it wasn’t even his. He and his wife enjoyed many hobbies including bonsai plants and at one time had over 150 plants. They loved working with stained glass. He was always puttering around in a garden. He always loved to have a “Project” going which most likely involved others and as his health started to fail he became a wonderful “Supervisor”. When the supervisor spoke you listened. He taught us many things that will be passed on to his grand and great-grandchildren. He always gave his time and support to his children and grandchildren. He always had a smile and a wonderful sense of humor.

He eagerly looked forward to the reunions with the 504^th bomb group. They had a special bond with each other.

George was preceded in death by his parents Sadie and George and his brothers Russell and Everett Berg.

He is survived by his wife Helen of Greenacres WA, son Donald (m.Cathleen) Berg of Mocksville NC, daughters Georgene (m.William) Weber of Missoula MT, Kristene Walker of Middleburg Fl, Debra Whaley of Greenacres, WA. brother Gale (mMary Ellen) Berg of FL and sister Gladys Erickson of Ill, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Grandchildren Brian Berg, Mark (m.Caroline) Berg, Matthew (m.Kelly) Berg, Daniel Berg, Brent (m.Christine) Weber, Brett (m.Amber) Weber ,Brandi Weber, Eric(m.Suzanne) Walker, Jonathan (m.Charity) Whaley, Rebecca (m.Craig Barrans) Genne’. Great grandchildren: Collin, Abigail and Caiden Berg, Connor Berg, Alexis and Elizabeth Weber, Victoria and William Weber, Austin, Lane and Jace Whaley, Cora, Gage and Hunter Genne’

A Memorial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday June 24, 2009 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 23515 E. Boone, Liberty Lake, WA. Arrangements are being made by Spokane Cremation & Burial Service at 2832 North Ruby, Spokane, WA.

In lieu of flowers please send contributions in memory of George C. Berg to the University of Florida Foundation –Nephrology Transplant Fund, P.O. Box 100243, Gainesville, Fl 32610-0243