Obituary: John L. "Orangie" Berg - Class of 1945

MADISON - John L. "Orangie" Berg, age 80, died Wednesday, July 19, 2006, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg, following a long illness. He was born in Sublette, Ill., on Jan. 9, 1926, to Leslie T. Berg and Anna Woods Berg. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Madison. After graduating from Holy Redeemer Grade School, he attended Central High School, where in 1944, he was chosen as All Madison High School halfback. He graduated in 1945. For several years he was a brakeman for the Milwaukee Road Railroad, before enrolling in the Madison Business College. He graduated in 1955, with a degree in business administration. He entered the insurance business, first as an accountant and eventually as a sales representative, until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, the former Isabelle Muskat Anderson, whom he married on May 26, 1962. He is also survived by a brother, Leslie (Lorine) Berg, Fort Mitchell, Ky.; a sister, Mary C. Berg-Schmitz of Madison; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie T. and Anna Berg; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Marie Berg; and his sister, Phyllis and his brother-in-law, Robert Schmitz. A memorial Mass will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 Owen Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2006. Relatives and friends may greet the family at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In John's memory, all memorials may be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711. The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at hospice. The dedication to peace and comfort shown by everyone there was wonderful. Also thanks to his many faithful old friends who gave him their time and laughter to the very end. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 23, 2006