In Memoriam – Norbert Raymond James Berg ’49

Norbert Raymond James Berg ’49

Brother to Thomas Berg ’53†, Marvin Berg ’55, and David Berg ’59

Norbert Raymond James Berg, age 92, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor was born in Edgar, Wisconsin on January 18, 1932. In his own words, Norb was the “champion of lost causes, dumb animals, and females in distress.” He was larger than life, having touched thousands with his generosity, compassion, support, and of course, humor.

Norb died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on July 26, 2024, at his home in St. Paul, Minnesota. Norb was first and foremost a family man. He was deeply devoted to his wife of 61 years, Marilyn, his four sons, and his entire extended family. Throughout his life, he loved singing, hunting, fishing, golfing, farming, playing poker, performing elaborate card tricks, and a good story. His jokes could be as indecent as those of a salty sailor or as innocent as words from a cloistered nun.

Norb graduated as valedictorian from Saint John’s Preparatory School (Collegeville, Minnesota) in 1949. His college studies were interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was commissioned to serve in Korea as a lieutenant during the Korean War. He remained a true patriot all of his days. In 1955, he completed his undergraduate degree from Saint John’s University. He went on to become one of the first people to earn a Master’s Degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota. While attending graduate school, Norb met the love of his life, Marilyn. They were married in 1957 and went on to have four sons.

In 1959, Norb began a distinguished career with what was then a small computer company, Control Data Corporation (CDC). In both his career and life, Norb was a fearless pioneer. During his executive tenure at CDC, Norb left a legacy of innovation in human resources practices unmatched in corporate America. He pioneered revolutionary programs like Flex Time and Employee Assistance decades before work-life balance was regularly discussed. Norb was also a trailblazer in Corporate Social Responsibility and prioritized equal opportunity standards, bringing jobs, educational opportunities, and healthcare into marginalized communities. Even in his retirement to Cumberland, WI, Norb continued to innovate, establishing Boyer Creek Ranch, at the time the largest red deer farm in North America. Norb’s signature compassion and creativity kept him involved in a broad range of activities aimed at fixing societal problems and aiding the less fortunate. Among other groundbreaking initiatives, he started the 12 Baskets Food Rescue Program, which later became Second Harvest Heartland. He also developed the first of its kind Employee Advisory Resource program which became the template for thousands of similar employee assistance programs within corporations and organizations worldwide. His many accolades include the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, The Caring Award from the Caring Institute in Washington, D.C., and the Minnesota Corrections Association Corrections Man of the Year.

Norb is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; parents, Oscar and Edna Berg; brothers and sisters, the Reverend Donald Berg, Dorothy Kelm, Elaine Winkler, and Tom Berg.

He is survived by siblings Sylvia Fergot, Marvin Berg and David (Darlene) Berg; children Kevin (Jennifer), Mitch, Tony, and Paul (Jennifer); nine grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 -7:00 PM Monday, August 5 at O’Halloran and Murphy in St. Paul. Mass of Christian burial 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 6 at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2055 Bohland Avenue, St. Paul, with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Interment with his wife at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

We wish to give our most heartfelt thanks to the staff at Carondelet Village for the professionalism, care and love they gave to both Marilyn and Norb throughout their residency. Memorials preferred to Sisters Rising Worldwide.