James "Jim" Berg

Inwood, IA: James Berg, 80, of Inwood, Iowa died Sunday, March 22, 2015 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Reformed Church in Inwood, Iowa with Rev. Rob Horstman officiating. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. Visitation, with the family present, will be 5:30-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Porter Funeral Home in Inwood. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

James Roger Berg was born on April 12, 1934 in Mahto, SD to Arthur and Emma (Schneider) Berg. He attended school in McLaughlin, SD. Jim worked on the family farm and drove truck for a local trucking company until he joined the United States Army. He proudly served from Jan. 1957 to Dec. 1958. Upon discharge, he worked construction in Montana and then went to work for a service station in Rapid City, SD.

He married Jeanette Bendixen in March of 1962. Later that year, they purchased Jim's Service in Rapid City which they owned until 1971. They sold the service station in Rapid City and purchased Jim's Service in Wessington Springs, SD which he operated until they moved to Huron, SD in 1986. Jim worked for a tire store in Huron until he retired in 1997. They then moved to Inwood, IA in 2001 where he became known as “The Watermelon Man”. Every year he looked forward to making his first trip to Forestburg for melons.

Jim loved to fish, watch his Twins and Vikings play and make pickles. He and his brothers enjoyed their annual sausage making weekend where the secret ingredient used was “brotherhood”. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Just hearing “PAPA” from his great-granddaughter would make him light up.

Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanette; his son, Ron (Connie) Berg of Holland, TX; his daughter, Tina Berg of Spearfish, SD; Grandson, Tyler (Mellisa) Berg and great-granddaughter Jayda of Watertown, SD; three brothers, Tom Berg (Sandi Kessling) of Mobridge; Arlen Berg and Doug (Sue) Berg all of Rapid City, SD; one sister, Dona Erickson also of Rapid City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Ramona Reiker and granddaughter, Paige Berg.

Jim always had a kind heart and helping hand for whoever was in need. He was a true believer in “pay-it-forward”. His favorite quote was ... “Love people, not things. Use things, not people”.

Visitation

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. ,Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Porter Funeral Home ~ Inwood
102 South Main Street Inwood, Iowa, Lyon 51240

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m. ,Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Inwood First Reformed Church
414 North Oak Street Inwood, Iowa, Lyon 51240