Philip Lee Berg

Doctor Philip Lee Berg passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2026 after a 6-month battle with physical injuries and illnesses at the age of 92. Philip was born to George & Rosella Berg in Grand Forks, ND during the great depression. As the youngest of 4 children, Philip loved to read and learn new things! This led to many years of pursuing his education. He received his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Dakota where he met his wife Janice whom he married in 1957. He then went on to receive his PHD at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Phil & Janice had 3 children and eventually moved to La Crescent, MN in 1972 and were long time members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Doctor Berg taught at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in the Sociology/Anthropology department as a professor until his retirement in 1957. The Berg family enjoyed traveling and had many adventures camping/driving throughout the US and Canada on vacations and also for Phil’s summer school assignment locations.

Philip loved music and even taught himself to play the trombone so he could play in the marching band at UND! He was an avid “concert go-er” and enjoyed attending many types of music events. He was also a loyal fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings!

His greatest love however, was his family and spending time with them especially for the holidays and special events. After over 60 years of marriage and many trips to European countries, Janice passed away in 2022.

Philip is survived by his daughter Wendy (Greg) Hundt of Fridley, MN, sons Stephen (Lisa) Berg of Centerville, VA and David (Lara) Berg of La Crosse, WI, granddaughters Sara, Samantha, and Megan, grandsons Brian and Erik, as well as great-grandchildren Ophelia, Charles, Brian Jr. and Penelope. He is also survived by Dixie Forsberg, a long-time friend of Janice and later a very special and loyal friend to Phil.

We will miss his love, kindness, knowledge and sense of humor! Also, his “stubborn” streak and his will to live his best life… all summed up in his favorite song “I Did It My Way” by Frank Sinatra.

The Berg Family would like to thank the Doctors, nurses and staff of Bay Harbor in La Crescent, La Crescent Health Services, Gundersen Hospital and St. Croix Hospice for their patience and care of Dad over the last months.