Surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Red River Hospice, Milton "Mike" Berg, 90, Cando, ND, passed away Friday, November 15, 2013, in Elim Care Center, Fargo, ND.

Mike was born Oct. 26, 1923, in Springfield Township in Towner County, ND, to Henry and Sigrid (Miliander) Berg. He attended Metcalf country school in Atkins Township, Towner County, and then Cando Public School. He spent his early years working on the family farm before heading to Bremerton, WA, in the early 1940s to work in the shipyards. After returning to North Dakota, he went to work in 1947 for Baker Electric Cooperative in Cando. It was a career that would span 38 years.

Mike had an innate understanding of all things mechanical and electrical. This talent allowed him to advance in his career and in 1953 he was promoted to construction foreman at Baker Electric. He was responsible for most of the line construction throughout the co-op's area. In 1967 he was promoted to line superintendent, a job he held until his retirement on Sept. 30, 1985.

In 1944, Mike met Marie Krom. They were married in Cando Lutheran Church on Feb. 20, 1948, and would spend the next 65 years together. In that time, they raised two daughters and a son, doted on their grandchildren, spent winters in Arizona and loved each other unconditionally.

Mike enjoyed fishing, bowling and playing softball, but his domain was his garage. His reputation for being able to repair and build just about anything became local legend in Cando, and often, if he couldn't find specific parts for a project, he would make them himself.

Mike is survived by his wife, Marie, Cando; children Karen (Lamar) Martz, Cando; Jane Berg (James Rutschke), Fargo; and Douglas (Brenda) Berg, Cando; grandchildren Melissa Martz, St. Louis Park, Minn.; Amy Martz, Fargo; and Megan (Bryan) Porath; great-grandson Tyler Porath; sister-in-law Susie Krom and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bennett, Wallace and Howard, and sisters Clarice (Reuben) Johnson and Margaret (James) Bertrand.

Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 with family services starting at 7:30 p.m. at Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home of Cando, ND.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Cando Lutheran Church, Cando with Rev. Bonnie Weaver officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Cando. Casket bearers will be Jim Howard, Roger Scott, Stacy Krom, Rocky Krom, Dale Orvedal and Harvey Wood. Music will be from Joni Morlock and Lynette Lybeck.


Condolences:

Marie,Karen,Jane and Doug.. So sorry to hear of Mikes' passing .. Remember my dad and him working together for Baker Electric and spending time with u guys… My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Fran Kring Jarshaw




Mike and Marie were regulars at the bakery for many years. We always enjoyed Mike's witty sense of humor over mugs of coffee and a pot of hot water to dilute it to his liking. Our sincere sympathies to Marie and family.  Shiela and Bruce