Gordon Gene Berge

Gordon Gene Berge, after a life filled with love, kindness, and generosity, passed into eternity on June 29, 2019. He was surrounded by his wife and children and had been blessed to spend time in recent days with many extended family members.

A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 3^rd, 2019 at First Lutheran Church, 408 9^th St NW in Mandan, ND, with Rev. Glenn Berge and Rev. Ernie Hockett.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tuesday, July 2, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm.

Burial is at Mandan Union Cemetery.

He was born July 9, 1933 to Anna and Gustav Berge at their home in rural Souris, ND. He was the youngest of nine children and was adored by his siblings. He began his education in Souris and graduated from Bottineau High School. He went on to graduate from the North Dakota School of Forestry and Minot State College.

Gordon served in the Army National Guard from 1958-1964, including active service at Fort Leonard Wood from 1961-1962. His teaching and coaching career began in Glenburn, ND and later took him to Center, ND. He moved to Mandan in 1963 where he taught business and coached basketball. He moved into the role of business administrator in 1970 and served in that capacity for many years until he transitioned to the role of transportation director as he neared retirement. He retired from the Mandan Public School District after nearly 50 years of service. Retirement didn’t mean retirement for Gordon. He truly loved being with, and serving others and enjoyed working at Herberger’s for five years following his retirement from the school district.

Gordon married Geneva R. Schaeffer on June 26, 1959. Together they welcomed, raised and loved four children who were the center of their lives. Geneva passed away in 1987. Gordon was lucky enough to find true love again when he met Dolores Paul, and they married in 2008. He embraced her family as his own and they had many great adventures together.

He was active and very involved in the Elks Lodge on both local and state levels for many years and was a current Elks member. Gordon has been a member of First Lutheran Church since moving to Mandan and served in varied capacities over the years including president of the church council.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Dolores Paul-Berge, and his four children: Ann (Dan) Barkel, Mark (Kim) Berge, Scott (Laurie) Berge, and Lynn (Shawn) Boehm. His nine step-children: Mike (Diane) Paul, Jan (Jerry) Kramer, Sue (Bill) Johnston, Mariella Paul, Tom (Ruby) Paul, Mary (Randy) Jensen, Dave (Joanne) Paul, Steve Paul, Colleen (Bill) Schatz, Karen (Kent) Brandt. He adored being a grandpa and leaves 38 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren with many wonderful memories

Gordon was blessed to be part of a large and loving family and is survived by five sisters, Alice Ihla, Helen Woods, Jo Kornkven, Julie Lee and Rosie Tollefson, sister-in-law, Arlene Berge, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.