Clark A. Berg

Clark A. Berg, 81 of La Crescent, MN, and formerly of Fountain, MN, died at his home on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. He was born January 26, 1940, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Orrin “Shorty” Berg and Doris (Zimmerman) Berg. He married Margaret E. Schmitt on August 7, 1965, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mazeppa, MN. Clark and Margaret met on the dance floor at the Pla-Mor Dance Hall in Rochester and continued to dance together throughout their marriage.

Clark was a graduate of Preston-Fountain Schools. He obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. His teaching career began in Medford, WI schools as an elementary physical education teacher visiting 25 elementary schools in that district weekly. While there, he assisted with coaching football and established the wrestling program.

After his marriage, Clark & Margaret moved to the Kickapoo School District in Viola, WI. He taught elementary physical education and secondary English along with serving as head football coach. He also established the wrestling program in that school district.

In l968, they moved to Whitehall, WI, where he was again a teacher, head football coach and head wrestling coach. In 1973, they moved to La Crescent, continuing his teaching career until his retirement in 2002. He was the assistant coach in the football program for 11 years and served as head coach from 1984 until 1989. He also was an assistant wrestling coach during his tenure in La Crescent.

Clark was an innovative educator who started the school radio station, KLAC, in 1975 and it continued operating until 2003. He was very proud of the numerous students who went on to work in radio. In the late 1990’s, Clark and fellow teachers Ger Danielson and Tom Unangst utilized the first-of-its-kind team-teaching approach to create the River Studies Class, which combined English, History and Science into one class.

Clark was active in Prince of Peace Lutheran Church as a council member, Sunday school teacher, head usher and on various committees. He was an active member of the La Crescent Lions Club, where he was awarded the Helen Keller Sight award and the Melvin Jones award. He volunteered at the La Crescent Chamber of Commerce receiving the Coulee Region Volunteer Coordinator recognition in 2009 and the Share the Spirit Award in 2010.

Clark was instrumental in setting up and awarding scholarships from the La Crescent Community Foundation. In 2009, he was granted the All-Star award by the La Crescent Lions and Rotary Clubs. He was elected to the District #300 Foundation Wall of Excellence in 2016. Clark was also inducted into the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association. He always served his community, following his father's advice, who taught him that being involved was important. He loved to grow roses and other flowers during his retirement, starting many of them from seed. His retirement also allowed him one of his greatest joys, beating his best friend, John when they played a round of golf.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, children Chris (Sandy) Berg, Patti (Jeff) Balacek, Carrie Berg, and Tina (Jon) Weinke. His grandchildren Ryan and Megan Berg, Ethan, Hayley and Grace Balacek, and step-grandchildren Abby, Kayla and Kendra Weinke. Other survivors are many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and brother and sisters-in-law.

Those predeceasing Clark are his parents, grandparents, a brother and sister-in-law (Bill and Karen Berg).

Memorials are preferred to Neighbors in Action, District #300 Foundation or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent. Pastor Mike Woods will officiate. Private family committal services will take place in Fountain Lutheran Church Cemetery in Fountain, MN. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 4 to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 until the time of service.  In keeping with church policy, those in attendance are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.