Merl Berge

Deerfield- Merl S. Berge, a lifelong resident of Deerfield, died on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. He was born on April 29, 1926, the son of Joe and Amy (Sperle) Berge. Merl was a gifted High School athlete in basketball, baseball, and as a two time all state end set a record for scoring 167 points in seven games in his senior year for their undefeated six man football team. He also drop kicked the extra points, a lost art and almost unheard of today. Merl was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Fort Bliss, Texas. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Deerfield and joined his father at their Ford Dealership (Deerfield Motor Sales Co.). Merl played first base for many years for the Deerfield High Test baseball team in the Home Talent League. He enjoyed golfing with the "Syndicate" at the Lake Ripley Country Club where he was a member and stockholder for over 60 years. On November 18, 1960 Merl married Jean and after retiring they wintered together in Tuscon, AZ. Merl was the Deerfield Postmaster and Route 1 rural mail carrier, retiring in 1986 after 30 years of Federal service. He was a member of the American Legion for over 65 years and life long member of Deerfield Lutheran Church, serving for many years on the cemetery committee. Merl is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jean; daughters, Connie Anderson, Carole (Ken) Langehaug, Linda (Bob) Bennett and Debby Jarlsberg; grandchildren, Joy (John) Hensel, Seth (Nicole) Halstead, Leah (Rich) Wong, Joe (Krista) Langehaug, Karena (Brian Sweezy) Langehaug, Robby McCabe, Kurt (Emily) McCabe and Sheila (Adam Haried) McCabe; great grandchildren, Malia, Eva, Westley and Magnus. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Deerfield Lutheran Church, 206 S. Main Street, with Rev. Larry Sexe officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Deerfield Lutheran Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon immediately following the burial. Friends may greet the family from 1:00 PM until the time of services at church. A special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare Inc.