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Kurt Berge Menominee, MI QCWA # 31324 |
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KURT BERGE, 97 years old, of Menominee, Michigan, was "Promoted to Glory" on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Northland Luther Home of Menominee, MI. Kurt Berge was born on November 07, 1920 in Wernigerode/Harz, Germany, Sunday noon at home to the late Emma (Eikel) Berge from Magdeburg, Germany and Karl Berge from Wernigerode/Harz, Germany.
Kurt Berge's family immigrated to Painesdale, Michigan via Hamburg, Southampton, Halifax and Sault St. Marie, Michigan in 1925 with Mother, and brothers Walter and Karl Jr. Kurt's Father, Karl Berge, immigrated previously in 1923.
Kurt graduated from Painesdale High School (renamed Jeffers High School) class of 1938 in "Downtown" Painesdale, MI. He enjoyed attending many High School Reunions. Kurt received a special plaque in 2013 celebrating his 75th year (Diamond Jubilee) reunion from Painesdale High School.
In 1938, Kurt Berge joined the CCC - Civilian Conservation Corps located at Camp Jumbo, Kenton, MI then to Camp Wells, at Wells State Park near Cedar River, MI and became the hospital orderly. While in the CCC Kurt met his future wife, Arlene Sieman, of Menominee.
Then on October 12, 1940 (Columbus Day), Kurt left Painesdale, MI on his Montgomery Wards bicycle. He pedaled to Detroit, MI where he worked at the Parkstone Hotel as a dishwasher until 1942 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He attended the DeForest Radio School in Chicago, IL.
While in Chicago, Kurt married Arlene on February 2, 1943 in Chicago at The Salvation Army, No. 13 Corps.
Kurt was in the following locations during his time with the US Army Air Corps - New Orleans, Kelly Field in San Antonio, six months at Boca Raton, FL, Air Field in Fresno, CA and Santa Rosa, CA.
August 14, 1945 WW II ended and in November, Kurt was discharged from Ft. McClellen, CA. Kurt started working at the Marathon Paper Mill in Menominee, MI, (shift work). March 1948, Kurt began working at the Menominee Post Office as a substitute clerk, but was hired full time at the Post Office in May 1951. Kurt was appointed regular clerk at the Post Office in August 1956 later becoming a rural route carrier. He worked at the Post Office until his retirement on November 02, 1984.
Kurt was a member of many community organizations including the following: President of the P.T.A. at Lincoln Elementary School, First President of the Menominee High School Band Boosters around 1967,Cub Master for the Boy Scouts of America, MACU - Menominee Area Credit Union, served on loan committee, Sunday School Teacher at The Salvation Army in Marinette, WI, Marinette Salvation Army Men's Club, M & M Amateur Radio Club, Escanaba Commandery No. 47, Chapter 44 Eastern Star, Scottish Rite Free Masonry, Menominee Mason Lodge #269, Ahmed Shriners, Menominee County Historical Society, Supporter of The Painesdale Mine Shaft Inc., NARFE - National Active & Retired Federal Employees, The Bay Area Welcome Social Club and America Legion, Post 146, Menominee, MI - Member 60 plus years. Kurt was a life long learner. Kurt enjoyed photography including 8 mm home, silent movies, slides, digital and videos, traveled throughout the USA, Canada, Israel and European countries.
In 1974 Kurt returned to his birthplace in Wernigerode/Harz Germany for the first time since a child. He was reunited with many German Cousins and visited numerous times throughout the rest of his life. Kurt had a winsome personality, always encouraging, inspiring and brightening the days of family and friends. He was always ready to tell a story, Reader's Digest joke, share an article from the newspaper, comment on an historical event, read his Bible & devotions daily and brightened the lives of many of all ages. Kurt was a faithful senior soldier of The Salvation Army Church in Marinette, WI. He lived his faith daily and had a close relationship with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Kurt enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and would travel great distances to stay connected.
Kurt is survived by seven children: Tom Berge (Tarpon Springs, FL); Cherylee Hamilton (Menominee, MI); Will (Maria) Berge (Appleton, WI); Bonnie (Doug) Freitag (Atlanta GA); Judy (Len) Reid (Menominee, MI); John (Tracy) Berge (Menominee, MI) and Ruth (Bob) Fay (Oak Creek, WI); Sixteen Grandchildren; Many Wonderful Great . grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grand Daughter; Sister in Law: Patricia Berge (Worcester, MA); Brother in Law: Stan Hruska (Bloomfield Hills, MI). He is further survived by several dear cousins, many nieces & nephews, and countless treasured friends.
Proceeded in Death by Parents: Karl and Emma (Eikel) Berge; Wife: Arlene (March 6, 2011); Brothers: Karl Jr. (killed in 1944 France during World War II), Walter (Whitefish Bay, WI), Werner (Worcester, MA); Brother In Law: Glen Sieman (Dade City, FL); Sisters in Law: Marie Berge (Whitefish Bay, WI), Lorrayne Hruska (Redford, MI), Libby Sieman (Dade City, FL); Daughter in Law: Peggy Berge (Richmond, VA); Grandson: Aaron Berge (Kalamazoo, MI)
Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2901 13th Street, Menominee, MI on Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 5-7 pm and again on Friday from 9:30 . 11 am. Military Honors will be conducted by the Military 20 Year Club at10 am. Memorial with Celebration of Life will be held 11 am with lunch afterwards. Officiant will be Major Robert Fay of The Salvation Army. Burial will be in Menominee's Riverside Cemetery.
© Anderson Kell Funeral Home notice.