Harris Berg

Minot

Harris J. Berg, 76, Minot, formerly of New Town, ND, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, in a Minot hospital.

Harris Jerome Berg was born on October 22nd, 1947, a son of Ole and Alpha (Ellefson) Berg in Minot, ND. He was raised and educated in Plaza, ND. He graduated from Plaza High School in 1966. Harris furthered his education by attending the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, where he received an apprentice degree in Plumbing in 1968. He worked as a farmhand for a local farmer in Plaza, and worked for the New Town Elevator while he was pursuing his options in plumbing, and before he was drafted into the United States Army.

On March 6th, 1969, at 22 years old, he was drafted and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War from August 7th, 1969, to August 4th, 1970. His specialty was 11B20 Lt. Weapons Infantryman with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 11th Infantry Brigade, which was part of the Americal Division, based in Chu Lai, Vietnam. He was later transferred to Saigon, Vietnam in April of 1970. During his time in Chu Lai, he hit the ground running the minute he got there and bravely fought on the front lines for our country. When he was transferred to Saigon, he was one of many guardsmen protecting General Abrams. Harris fulfilled his term of service and was honorably discharged on March 5th, 1971, as an E4 Specialist. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and a Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a modest and proud Vietnam Veteran who loved to strike up a conversion if he saw a fellow veteran, whether he knew them or not. He shared his own experiences and listened to fellow veterans with the sincerest emotion and empathy. An unspoken Vietnam brotherhood bond, he cherished. After his service, he started his 37-year career at Northrop Grumman until he retired in 2008. He was also a proud 50+ year member of the American Legion Post 290 in New Town, ND.

Harris was united in marriage to Sherill Lee Garness, on November 22nd, 1969. They made their home in New Town, ND, where they raised their 3 daughters, Teresa Lee, Lisa Marie and Becky Joell.

In the 70s, he was the drummer for two local traveling bands; the Honky Tonks & the Country Family Trio, where he performed with his cousin Harlen & uncle Morris. Harris enjoyed playing the drums so much, he even kept the beat tapping his wedding ring on a steering wheel while driving or any solid surface around him until recently. In the 80s and 90s he kept himself busy by being a part-time prankster while working full time at Northrop Grumman, and raising 3 daughters who gave him a run for his money. He took this all in stride and did all he could to make his coworkers happy in the workplace, and his girls happy at home. In Harris’s extra time, he loved spending time with his buddies whether it be having a few cold ones, fishing, deer hunting (aka: the postman, driving around in the warm truck and keeping the beer cold), golfing, and playing slow pitch softball. He was a solid right-hand pitcher for the Sportsmans Bar and Team Northrop. One of his happiest moments was when his Sportsmans Bar Men’s Old Pro team won their Division at the Sam McQuade’s Charity Softball Tournament and their division in the State Softball Championship within the same year. That was all his competitive heart needed to finally hang up the softball cleats & receive that much-needed rotator cuff surgery after 25 years of pitching!

Harris was a busy guy who loved to run errands and was always on the go. During his retirement, he enjoyed gambling at the area casinos. When he had that “lucky feeling” or “money burning a hole in his pocket,” he had to go right away. We think he had a horseshoe hidden “somewhere.” He kept himself busy & teased he was “going to work,” at Bingorama, and finding all the bar bingo hotspots with the biggest payouts, where he and Sherill spent most of their days enjoying retirement together. He also enjoyed making his weekly football picks (always picked the Vikings even if they were having a rough year,) yelled at echo to play his favorite music, kept tabs on ESPN, and loved watching sports, whether it be on TV or in person. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and the NDSU Bison. He loved watching and cheering on his daughters during their extra curricular activities during high school, being an active support system in all their life events, and being the best girl dad he could be. He loved taking an active role in his grandchildren’s activities as well. He was always one of the first ones getting the best seat in the house, whether it be at a grandkids church event, or being loud and proud at any sporting event/school activity, while sporting the appropriate fan attire. He was the best and cutest grandpa anyone could ask for. He would do anything to put a smile on the grandkids faces. Throughout all his life adventures, he made many life-long friends. He made sure to say “I love You” before hanging up on a phone conversation, he never left a family gathering without giving a big hug and enjoyed stopping by unannounced and bringing special treats to loved ones at their homes and workplaces. One of his mottos was “if it’s out of your control, don’t waste your worries on it.”

Harris was especially proud of his wife, three daughters, nine grandchildren, and his two great-grandchildren.

Harris is survived by: His loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Sherill, three daughters Teresa (Trent) Kiichler, Lisa (Shawn) Rafferty, Becky Bertsch; Grandchildren: David Ripley, Ryann (Josh Bossie) Rafferty, Alexa (Matt) Fiskum, Karsen (Taylor) Rafferty, Kade Gilstad, Erin (Ted Larson) Rafferty, Colvyn (Carolyn Tinkham) Gilstad, Brynley Bertsch, Skylar (Marcus) Ough; Two great-grandchildren: Ava Fiskum and Tatum Ough; Two brothers: Douglas (Karen) Berg, Rob (Debbie) Berg; Several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and multiple cousins.

Harris was preceded in death by his mother Alpha, father Ole, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and multiple lifelong friends.

Visitation: There will be no reviewal as cremation has taken place (Harris would want you to remember him with a smile on his face,) however, friends may sign a guest register on Friday, October 18th, 2024, from 1:00 p.m., until service time at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. Seats are limited, so the service will be streamed online and may be viewed at the link provided on his web-page at www.thompsonlarson.com. Celebration of Harris’ life: Friday, October 18th, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot. Burial: A private family committal service will take place at a later date.

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 15, 2024.