Jack Berg

Jack Lyle Berg, aged 92, of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Jack was Born on April 7, 1934, in Erskine, MN. In his younger years, the family moved to Minneapolis, MN where Jack completed high school. Jack embarked on a path of honorable service by enlisting in the United States Navy at the young age of 17. He proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Leyte (CV-32). Following his military service, Jack married Margret Schiltz on June 15th, 1957, and the couple raised their family in Burnsville, MN. Jack built a distinguished career in banking, rising through the ranks to become a respected bank executive.

In 1980, Jack and Marge returned to his hometown of Erskine where they owned and operated Berg Hardware for many years. They later retired in Longville, MN and were snowbirds in Arizona where they could enjoy some good weather and lots of golf. In June 2025, Jack and Marge moved into Leslie and Brett’s home in Belle Plaine, where they enjoyed the comfort and joy of family.

Jack engaged actively in athletic pursuits, coaching multiple teams involving his children. He was notably involved with the Burnsville Boys Hockey Program and set up a skate sharpening facility in his basement, offering regular equipment maintenance and practice sessions for hockey players. Additionally, Jack served as coach for the girls' softball team, with Marge assisting him and handling scorekeeping duties. He continued to apply his coaching expertise with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, instructing them on driving in his golf cart or on the John Deer riding lawn mower and his swing techniques to improve their golf game. He was always so kind and patient.

Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman and was a frequent visitor to Seagull Creek Fishing Camp, son Mike’s Fishing Camp and Guide Service, where he caught several “hawgs” (walleyes over 28 inches). Jack had great hunting stories to share, the best being his moose hunting expedition with Jack Bailey in the 1970’s where they boated up the Pigeon River, eventually transferring to canoe. The stories they told about getting the moose out of the deep woods during a snowstorm, with only a small canoe were amazing.

Jack was not afraid to do anything! He installed an in-ground swimming pool in their Burnsville home. He shingled several roofs, built a 3-season porch, installed windows, fixed cars, the list goes on and on. He was truly a jack of all trades!

He is survived by his children: Michael Berg (Claudia Blake) of Grand Marais, MN; Leslie Lein (Brett) of Belle Plaine, MN and Jeffrey Berg. Jack was a proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and one more expected July 2026. His sister Janet Berry (Jack), along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends, also survive him, carrying forward his legacy of love and kindness.

Jack is preceded in death by his devoted wife Margret, his parents Elmer and Edith Berg, and his siblings Duane, Bill, Vickie, and Al (Jr).

A graveside ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will pay tribute to Jack’s memory and his service to his country. Years ago, Jack and Marge made the heartfelt decision that they always wanted to be together; their ashes will be blended and buried as one, never to be separated. Although Jack is no longer with us, his spirit endures among all who knew him—a lasting reflection of a life filled with dedication, integrity, and steadfast devotion to family.