Phyllis Solboe Berg, age 93, of Pigeon Falls, died on Sunday, August 17, 2014 in the Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.


Phyllis was born on October 17, 1920 in Pigeon Falls to Austin Johann and Agnes Ovedia (Oerke) Solboe. Following high school, Phyllis graduated from La Crosse State Teachers college in 1943 with a teaching degree in elementary education. She married Byron Berg on January 1, 1945 in Pigeon Falls.


Following college, Phyllis taught grade school in Glasgow and Pigeon Falls. Prior to retirement, she was a paraprofessional in the Pigeon Falls and Whitehall elementary schools, taking pride in developing students. She was an active Farmers Union youth leader and Sunday School teacher for many years. More importantly, she was a lifelong educator and mentor to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and to all she knew and met. College was an expectation for us all. But, at heart, Phyllis wanted us to know and love music, art, literature, and the landscape of beauty in the world. She taught us compassion and understanding every day.


After her marriage to Byron, Phyllis became his partner in running the family farm in the Huskelhus community for over 70 years. She felt great responsibility in this role, from cooking threshing crew meals to rescuing a sick calf or kitten. She had a consummate love of the land and all living things and instilled it in all her family.


Music was a passion for Phyllis, whether teaching piano to community children, listening to symphonies or accompanying family singing. Phyllis was a life-long and staunch Democrat who took great pride in her views and had compassion for all people, but always spent many hours listening to all points of view.


Her Norwegian heritage was of utmost importance. She taught us all to know and love all that is Norwegian and we do. Just recently she received the 50 year Special Recognition from Sons of Norway.


Phyllis loved sports, swimming and skating were personal favorites. She spent many hours enjoying both growing up in Pigeon Falls as well as cheering for the local baseball team. Most recently, the Brewers were captivating and she was either watching the games with Byron or checking out the scores. She enthusiastically cheered for all family sports (and educational) accomplishments.


Phyllis was a lifelong member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Pigeon Falls now in union with Pigeon Creek Lutheran Church as Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls. At the former church, her Grandfather, A.J. Oerke, was pastor for nearly 40 years. Her strong Christian faith guided her life as she actively participated in youth activities, Ladies Aid (WECLA), prepared Circle lessons and instilled her faith into her family. Phyllis had a strong interest in missions and so memorial contributions may be designated to Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls to support the people of Malawi, Africa.



Phyllis is survived by her husband, Byron, of Pigeon Falls; four children, John (Iva) Berg of Pigeon Falls, Mary Hafstead and Kirsten (Scott) Anderson both of Minneapolis, MN and Steven Berg of Osseo; eight grandchildren, Andrea (Bill) Vencl, Andy (Kim) Berg, Marc (Ashley) Hafstead, Craig Hafstead, Samuel Anderson, Amelia Bauer, Tessa Bauer and Madeline Berg; five great-grandchildren, Jake, Kalina and Tommy Berg, Abby and Hannah Vencl; a brother, Richard Solboe of Minneapolis, MN.


In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Christian Hafstead.


Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 22, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls with burial in the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery both in Pigeon Falls. Pastor Mary Ann Bowman will officiate.


Visitation will be Thursday, August 21, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Sove Godt.