David Berg 09/14/2026

David Kenneth Berg, 79, passed away on September 14, 2026, due to complications following a heart attack.

Dave was born on April 28, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Kenneth and Beryl Berg. He graduated from St. Paul Central High School in 1965, where he met his lifelong partner and future wife, Lynn. While Lynn pursued her nursing degree at Ancker School of Nursing, Dave attended Macalester College, earning a degree in education.

After a brief time teaching in the Fridley School District, Dave took a different path and entered the automotive business. Together, Dave and Lynn purchased the Ford dealership in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, which they owned and operated until its sale in 2002. Through hard work, integrity, and a commitment to their community, they built a successful business and lasting relationships throughout the region.

Although business ownership became his career, education and coaching remained among Dave’s greatest passions. He returned to the field he loved through basketball coaching and quickly transformed the Ellsworth High School girls basketball program into a perennial contender. His teams consistently competed for conference and sectional championships, and his coaching career was highlighted by a Division 2 State Runner-Up finish at the 1990-91 Wisconsin State Tournament. Following his success at Ellsworth, Dave continued mentoring young athletes as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball programs at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

More important than any professional accomplishment was Dave’s devotion to his family. He cared deeply about his wife, children, and grandchildren, always seeking ways to support and encourage them as they pursued their own dreams and successes. Whether through a phone call, a text message, a conversation on the sidelines, or simply being present when he was needed most, Dave was a constant source of love, guidance, and encouragement. His impact extended well beyond his family to countless friends, players, colleagues, and community members whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support.

In his later years, Dave found great joy at the family cabin on Austin Lake. What began as a place of relaxation became a gathering place where family and friends came together throughout the summer months. Whether hosting family dinners, enjoying time on the lake, sharing stories around a campfire, or simply spending time with those he loved most, the cabin reflected Dave’s greatest priorities: family, friendship, and creating lasting memories. Some of his happiest moments were spent there surrounded by children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. The warmth and hospitality that defined Dave could be felt by all who gathered at Austin Lake.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lynn Berg; his son Jason Berg and wife Connie, and their children Lucas and Kyle; his son Matt Berg and wife Jody, and their children Cooper and Owen; his daughter Shannon Donnelly and husband Eric, and their children Kane and Kellen; his brother Tom Berg and wife Joy; and his sister Cindy Berg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Beryl Berg.

A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, September 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 805 E. Division Street, River Falls, Wisconsin 54022. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ellsworth High School Athletic Department in honor of Dave’s enduring commitment to student-athletes, coaching, and youth development.

Dave will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, successful businessman, respected coach, and loyal friend. His greatest legacy is found not in the games he coached or the business he built, but in the people he loved and the lives he touched. Through his steady encouragement, generous spirit, and unwavering belief in others, Dave made those around him better. His influence lives on in his family, his former players, and the many friends who were fortunate to know him.

“The influence of a good teacher, coach, husband, father, and grandfather can never be erased.”