Bill L. Berg

William Lawrence Berg, 85, of Saint James, died on June 28, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Saint James.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James and will continue on Wednesday from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be held at Saint James Catholic Church in Saint James on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:00 am. Interment with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery in Saint James. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Bill was born November 12, 1939, to Joseph and Irene (Koenig) Berg in Saint James. He graduated from Saint James High School in 1958. Bill served in the Army National Guard from 1959 to 1965. On April 25, 1964, he married Betty Rodewald at Saint James Catholic Church. Together, they raised two daughters.

Bill worked as an office manager at the Veterinary Clinic for 39+ years, retiring in 2003. He served as a Watonwan County Commissioner for two terms from 2005 to 2013 and was part of the Watonwan County Game and Fish. He was a proud member of the Saint James American Legion, serving as the commander for military honors for funerals for many years, and also being one of the BINGO callers during bar hours at the Legion.

Bill was active at Saint James Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic Minister, usher, and church board member. He was also a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. In his free time, Bill enjoyed gardening, walking with Betty, going to the DQ, and spending time at the Band Box playing cards and pool.

Bill is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Sheryl Reed of Mankato; son-in-law, Steve Hoogestraat; grandchildren, Kyle and Justin Hoogestraat and Renee (Kale) Karstens; great grandchildren, Elias, Everett, and Theodore Karstens; sister, Dorothy Colby; and brother, James (Bonnie) Berg.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Luann Hoogestraat; son-in-law, Russell Reed; granddaughter, Elizabeth Reed; and brother, Robert (Joann) Berg.