David H. Berg

David Herbert Berg, aged 82, of Greenfield passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Hancock Health, Greenfield. He was born July 30, 1937 in Fort Wayne, IN to the late Herbert "Butch" and Lucy Marie (Emal) Berg. Dave married Rita (McGary) Berg on September 5, 1959. Dave completed his undergraduate work at the University of Notre Dame in 1959. He received his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1964. Dave served on active duty in the U.S. Army at Fort Detrick, MD from 1964–1966. Prior to his retirement in 1993, Dave enjoyed a long tenure with Eli Lilly, at Greenfield and Indianapolis. He was an active member of St. Michael Catholic Church, participating in the liturgical, educational and social activities of the parish. In retirement, he served on the board of Hancock County Senior Services. Dave was committed to education: at St. Michael parish he was Director of Religious Education for 10 years and was active for many additional years in adult religious education and working with preschoolers; he taught Chemistry and Biochemistry at IUPUI; and he was a judge for many local and regional science and history fairs. Dave was most proud that he and Rita were able to see all seven children graduate from his alma mater. He was a lifelong learner and voracious reader of books on history, science and geography. Dave and Rita loved to travel on family vacations, whether to national parks, the shore of Lake Michigan or to see relatives in Illinois. Having played softball, tennis, golf and music, he loved to watch his grandchildren's athletic, band, choir, theater and other events and school activities. Dave also was an avid fan of Notre Dame and Chicago Bears football, Chicago Cubs baseball and folk and country music. Most of all, Dave loved his family. He was a wonderful father, father-in-law and grandfather, and he was happiest when Rita, his children, grandchildren and his extended family were all together for holidays and family celebrations. His sense of humor was good-natured and gentle. He brought joy to not only his family but also to many people at St. Michael and in Greenfield. Dave is survived by his wife, Rita Berg; children, David J. (Cecilia) Berg, Peter (Pamela) Berg, Mary (Steven) Eddy, Margaret "Peggy" (Ty) Hays, Donna (Bill) Bettler, Teresa Berg, Paul (Angela) Berg; brother, Thomas (Jacquelyn) Berg of Huntsville, AL; 20 wonderful grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Roy McGary of Aurora, IL and Thomas Dwiggins of Batavia, IL, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and Rita's parents, and sisters-in-law Janice McGary and Donna Dwiggins. A Mass and memorial gathering will be held 11 am, Thursday, July 2, 2020 at St. Michael Catholic Church Parish Life Center. Friends may call one hour prior to service. Masks and Social Distancing is required. Memorial contributions in honor of Dave may be sent to: St. Michael School, 515 Jefferson Blvd, Greenfield, IN 46140 or Hancock County Senior Services, 1870 Fields Boulevard, Greenfield, IN 46140. Please share your memories of Dave and condolences with his family at www.stillingerfamily.com.