Donald Richard Berg, 94, of Milan, Illinois, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Silver Cross at Friendship Manor in Rock Island, Illinois.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  A visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, June 24, 2024 at Wheelen-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory in Milan, Illinois. The family will then proceed to Preemption Cemetery for graveside services.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Grace Presbyterian Church in Rock Island.

Don was born on August 12, 1929, in Grand Haven, Michigan. He was the son of Frederick and Wilhelmina (Gross) Berg.  Don married the love of his life, Betty J. Spangler, on October 6, 1950, in Grand Haven, Michigan.

Don graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1947.  He was a catcher for his high school baseball team.  He served in the National Guard, then completed his Tool & Die Maker apprenticeship in Spring Lake, Michigan in 1950.  He and Betty moved to Rock Island, Illinois in 1951.

In 1954 Don became Chief Tool Engineer at Tri-City Tool and Machinery in Rock Island.  Soon thereafter he became a partner at Ken-Tronics Associates, where he retired as President in 1994.

Don served as a deacon, Clerk of Session and Elder at South Park Presbyterian Church in Rock Island. He served as Cubmaster for the Pack 204 Cub Scout Troop, and was a Little League coach and manager.

Don often talked about growing up on the family farm, and he and Betty owned a small farm near Viola, Illinois for many years.  Don helped his sons as a mechanic on their cars, he did carpentry work on two houses. He taught himself to play guitar and in retirement he became a skilled painter of landscapes.  Don was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, and he also enjoyed golf and reading.  Most of all, Don enjoyed spending time with Betty.

Don is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Dave (Glenda) Berg of Geneseo, Illinois; Gary Berg of Rock Island, Illinois; Mike (JoAnn) Berg of Coal Valley, Illinois and Jack (Julie) of Fort Myers, Florida.  Additional survivors include seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, plus his sister-in-law Carolyn Berg in Spring Lake, Michigan.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, three brothers (Fred, George and Ray) and one grandson (Brian).

Don will be missed forever by his loving family and friends.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at wheelanpressly.com.