Eldon W. Berg
Eldon W. Berg, 99, of Arcadia, died peacefully, Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Grand View Care Center, Blair, with family at his side.
Eldon was born in Independence, January 27, 1924, to Melvin and Mabel (Norlyn) Berg. He lived his entire life in rural Arcadia and the city of Arcadia. He was raised on a farm in Newcomb Valley where he attended country school during his elementary years and graduated from Arcadia High School in 1942. In 1945, Eldon became engaged to the love of his life, Helen Bernice Christianson, whom he married, June 14, 1947. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2022.
Eldon started his own general trucking business in 1942. He grew his trucking and milk hauling business for fifteen years until 1957, when he sold the business.
In 1957, Eldon worked for the City of Arcadia in the Electric Utility Department and for Leland Insurance Agency. In late 1957, Eldon joined Northern Investment Company (NIC), headquartered in Independence, where he worked for 21 years (1957 – 1978) in auction and real estate services. Eldon loved the work. Over the span of his career at NIC, he touched many people through his auction work, real estate transactions and appraisals of real estate and personal property.
In 1978, Eldon joined the State Bank of Arcadia as the loan officer. During his tenure, Eldon successfully started real estate and auction services at the bank. The bank eventually sold these services, and the new company became known as Hometown Realty and Auction Service. He devoted eight years (1978 – 1986) to the State Bank of Arcadia. Eldon said he retired in 1986, but he continued to work part-time, clerking auctions for Hometown Realty and Auction Service into his 80s.
In addition to his business career, Eldon always found the time to lend a hand to a variety of community, business, and church organizations. From 1964 through 1970, Eldon was Arcadia’s First Ward Alderman, serving on the City Council. From 1969 through 1973, Eldon served on the Arcadia Utility Board, three of these years as President of the Board.
Eldon was a member of Arcadia Lions Club, serving as its President from 1969 – 1970, Lions Fest Chairman in 1983 and Lions Fest Co-Chairman in 1984. In 2006, he was the Lions Club Fest Parade Marshall.
From 1986 to 2004, Eldon served as a Director and Vice President on the Board of Directors of the 1st State Bank of Fountain City. From 1991 to 2014, Eldon served on the Board of Directors of Arcadia Projects, Inc., a non-profit organization that donates earnings from its trust fund to the community on an annual basis. In 2007, he received the first Honorary Lifetime Membership Award from the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, Eldon received the Arcadia Distinguished Alumni Award from the Arcadia School Board.
Eldon was a faithful and active member of two churches, helping out in a variety of capacities. From 1924 to 1968 he was a member of Fagernes Lutheran Church in rural Blair, Wisconsin. From 1968 he was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Arcadia.
Eldon enjoyed many activities during his lifetime, including road trip vacations throughout the U.S. and Canada with his family, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, boating on the Mississippi River, golfing and attending grandkids sporting events.
The family gives special thanks to Sherry (Reck) Haines for her wonderful care of Eldon and Helen over the last five years. Her care allowed them to live independently in their Arcadia home. The family also gives thanks to St. Croix Hospice personnel for their support and loving care of Eldon during his final days.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Helen; sons: Dennis (Connie Rosenthal) Berg and Darrell (Nancy Kamla) Berg; granddaughter, Briana (Tim) Braunschweig; grandson, Bennett (Mariah Sendelbach) Berg; great-grandchildren: Greyson, Beau and Nora Braunschweig; sister-in-law, Shirley (Utech) Berg; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A funeral service was held Monday, March 20, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church. Pastor David Johnson officiated. Family and friends were welcomed for visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at church. Eldon was laid to rest in Fagernes Lutheran Cemetery in Blair. To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.
