Bernice Berg
Funeral services for Bernice Berg, 96, of Watford City, N.D., were held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 20, 2014 at the Assembly of God Church in Watford City, Pastor Sheldon McGorman officiated. Interment was held in Spring Creek Cemetery in Watford City, N.D.
Bernice Christina Berg was born May 5, 1917 to Amanda (Mollie) and Carl Fuglie in a homestead shack in the Spring Creek area. To this union a brother Herman was born as well. Her parents divorced after five years of marriage. Mollie married Kristopher Berg later on, and four more children were born.
When she was 16 years old, a handsome cowboy, Hilman, and a friend rode up to the Berg place; it was love at first sight for Hilman. He was known to ride up there and sing to Bernice. She loved to tell that story. They both quit school after eighth grade to go work and help their folks during hard times in the 1930s. They were married on Nov. 8, 1939. They bought Hilman’s folks’ homestead, located southeast of Watford City near the Badlands. It was here they farmed and ranched, and raised a son and two daughters. Bernice always had leghorn chickens and milked a cow or two. She sold cream and eggs for some extra money.
Bernice always loved flowers and having a garden. When they moved to town in 1979, she enjoyed her garden and tending to her flowers. They always flourished under her care. She had flowers in her room at the Good Shepherd Home, and some in the entry near her room. Those working in the Good Shepherd Home called it Bernice’s greenhouse.
Bernice loved music; especially the old hymns and gospel songs, but also some old western songs she’d sing while playing her guitar. She also played the mouth organ, even doing so at the Good Shepherd Home, surprising a few people I’m sure.
Bernice was a strong person both physically and otherwise through many hard times and losses. She was always a positive person, thankful for all the blessing in her life in the midst of the difficulties she faced. She loved her home and was always busy with her flowers, garden, decorating her yard and in the winter, embroidering, keeping herself as busy as she could. She liked to bake goodies to serve to anyone who stopped in. She was a good cook and hospitable to all who visited and stayed overnight. Visiting pastors, missionaries, and others needing a place to stay, would find a warm welcome.
She was an active member of Spring Creek Lutheran Church for many years, and later was a founding member of the Assembly of God Church in Watford City. She was active in serving in whatever way she could. It gave her great joy to see it come about and serve the community for her Lord.
Bernice loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and wanted to serve Him in any way she could; even doing so the last five years of her life at the Good Shepherd Home. She was a joyful person, giving encouragement to others who took care of her needs there. She was a humble person, loving and kind, and had a snappy little comeback which often endeared her to others. She has been a blessing to her family and friends through the years; Bernice had a real servant’s heart and was a shining example to her family.
Bernice passed away on Friday evening, March 14, 2014 at the Good Shepherd Home. She was ready to go to Heaven and be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunite with Hilman, family and friends. She deeply loved her family and showed that love always.
Bernice is survived by son, Alfred (Karen) Berg of Watford City, N.D.; daughters, Donna (Glenn) Solberg of Zahl, N.D., and Delphine (David) Netzer of Dickinson, N.D.; grandkids, Lisa (Doug) Barkie of Watford City, N.D., Tanya (Lynn) Heiser of rural Watford City, N.D., and Russell Solberg of Zahl, N.D.; great-grandkids, Marlie, Evan, Braden and Halie Heiser, Anika Barkie, Emma and Garrett Solberg; brother, Sten (Patty) Berg of Mt. Vernon, Wash.; and sister-in-law, Adele Berg of Dickinson, N.D.
Bernice is preceded in death by her husband, Hilman; parents, Amanda and Carl Fuglie; stepfather, Kristopher Berg; brothers, Edward, Herman and Kenneth Berg; sister, Esther Skaar; sisters-in-law, Betty Berg and Marilyn Berg.
Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.