Ronald D. Berg, 89, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away at home on August 17, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born July 25, 1934 to Harry G. and Pearl M. (Torstenson) Berg in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. He graduated with honors from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army with the U.S. Security Agency from 1956-1958 and received a Letter of Commendation and offer of employment with the CIA following his service. Instead, he chose to return to Sturgeon Bay and marry the love of his life, Judith Ann Lefebvre, on
November 7, 1959. They shared 63 wonderful years together and raised four children.
Ron enjoyed being a pitcher in city league baseball in his younger days. Throughout his life, Ron loved golfing and he especially loved being on the water. He spent many happy hours boating with Judy and their family and friends. His love of fishing was shared with his grandchildren almost as soon as they could hold a pole.
Ron started working at the Door County Advocate as a young boy, cleaning printing blocks. He worked his way up until he served as the Business Manager. In 1971, Ron was hired as a mortgage loan officer at Bank of Sturgeon Bay (which later became Baylake Bank and is now Nicolet Bank). He was soon promoted to commercial lending, and he continued to be promoted until he was Senior Vice President of Administration. In 1981, Ron graduated from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. He also served on the Baylake Bank’s Board of Directors for more than twenty years.
Ron was a long time and active member of the Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church where he taught Adult Bible Class, Sunday School, and was a Youth Fellowship Leader. He also served on the Board of Elders and the Board of Trustees.
Ron helped to shape and preserve his community by serving as president and board member of numerous organizations including, Sturgeon Bay Rotary, Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club (Commodore in 2000), Peninsula Players Theater, Sturgeon Bay Lions, Sturgeon Bay Jaycees, Door County United Way, and Sunshine Resources. Ron was named as Door County’s Outstanding young man in 1967.
Ron also provided leadership in local government. He was elected as the youngest alderperson, thus far, by write in vote. He also served terms on the Door County Board of Supervisors, Door County Chamber of Commerce, Door County Industrial Development Corp., Sturgeon Bay Board of Parks and Recreation and Door County Library Board.
Beyond Door County, Ron served as a member of the Adtec, Inc. Board of Directors and a member of the Wisconsin Bankers Association Retail Banking Committee.
Ron is survived by his wife Judy; children: Brenda Bender (special friend Scott Rader), Jeff (Jennelle) Berg, David Berg (Sara Crawford), and Amy DeMain (Glen DeKeyser); his grandchildren: Bret (Liza) Bender and Allison Bender (JD Yim), Kesha (Ryan) Quade, Quinlin Berg (Kylie Owens), Bradyn (Katlyn) DeMain, and Julia DeMain (Tyler Reiland); his great-grandchildren Francesca and Aldo Quade; nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Janet (Louis) Jakubovsky, Verdene (Rudy) Berres, Gene Richard (Betty) Berg, Avalon (Paul) Patzlaff, Judith (Raymond) Challe: and a great-grandchild Tate Quade.
Friends may call at the Forbes Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 24th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and at the Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church on Friday, Aug. 25th from 10:00 am until 11:00 am when a memorial service will be conducted to honor his life.
Memorials may be given in Ron’s name to Unity Hospice, Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church, American Parkinson Disease Association, or Neighbor to Neighbor.
The family wishes to thank Unity Hospice staff and all of Ron’s wonderful caregivers for the care and compassion given to Ron and our family. Thanks to Vicki, Wendy, Kristin, Laura, Jess, Brittany and many others who helped ease Ron’s Parkinson’s journey.
