Gary R. Berges

life story

Gary Richard Berges

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Gary R. Berges

Gary Berges, formerly of Champlin, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Good Samaritan Specialty Care in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan 11, 2025, at Christiania Lutheran Church, 26691 Pillsbury Ave. Lakeville, MN. Lunch will follow the service. Visitation will begin at 9:30 just prior to the service. Burial will be at a future date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55450.

Gary Richard Berges was born on August 21, 1949 to Leonard and Waneta (Nielsen) Berges in Tyler, Minnesota. He grew up in the Marshall and Pipestone areas, was baptized in Ruthton and confirmed in Holland, both in the Lutheran faith. After his family moved to Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Gary finished High School there before attending the University of Minnesota and Anoka Technical College where he received an auto mechanics degree. In 1969, Gary joined the Air Force, during the Vietnam War and completed four years of service to our country.

In 1972, Gary married Jacqueline Antil with whom he had two children, Jenifer and Daniel, who brought him tremendous joy.

Upon returning from the Air Force, Gary worked for Crystal Motors and then spent the majority of his working career at Anderson Cadillac in Wayzata, MN where he advanced from mechanic to shop Foreman. He also attended North Hennepin Community College where he earned an AA degree.

Gary realized over 40 years ago that his life was being controlled by alcohol and made the decision to leave it behind. He spent the next 40 years attending and leading AA meetings and assisting others in their recovery. He was committed to his Higher Power.

Gary loved his Harley Davidsons and rode on a regular basis, having attended motorcycle rallies in Daytona, Fl and Sturgis, SD. This is evident by his collection of Harley Davidson t-shirts from all over the United States.

Gary Berges died on December 31, 2024, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota at the age of 75 years, 4 months, and 10 days after battling Huntington’s Disease for many years. Blessed be his memory.

Gary is survived by his children Jenifer Gilb (Todd) of Hanover and Daniel Berges (Debra Jones) of St. Cloud; three grandchildren, Kyla, Kal (Baylie Gruber) and Tyler; one great-granddaughter Wren; siblings Sharon Buckley of Lakeville and Joyce (Ange) Sireno of Charleston, SC; his special friend Debi Benke; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents Leonard Berges and Waneta Shriver; step-father, Henry Shriver, sisters Eileen Bitker and Marlys Mohs; brothers-in-law Dennis Bitker and William Buckley.

memorial service

Memorial Service

January 11, 2025

Christiania Lutheran Elca 26691 Pillsbury Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044, USA

Visitation begins at 9:30, lunch will be served after the service.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services