Merlin "Berg" Berget, age 90, of South Wayne, died on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at U.W. Hospital in Madison. Merlin was born on August 20, 1920, in Gratiot Township, the son of Elmer and Alice (Engebretson) Berget. He attended Engebretson Grade School. Merlin farmed with his parents in Wiota. After his retirement, he moved to South Wayne. Merlin was a member of the Wiota Lutheran Church.
He played baseball with several area teams and softball until he was in his sixties. Berg was known for his pitching, especially the split-finger fastball that fooled many a hitter. Merlin enjoyed watching baseball, and his favorite teams were Atlanta and St. Louis. He loved to fish the Pecatonica River, small streams and in Canada. He also enjoyed cooking, old time fiddle music and riding in the countryside.
Merlin is survived by his sisters, Mae Dunn of Cape Coral, FL, and Joslyn (Duane) Shippy of McConnell, IL; many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; brother, Virgil Berget; sisters, Myrtle Carroll, Avis Mau, Shirley Berget in infancy and Hazel Zuberbuhler.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 17, 2010, at the Wiota Lutheran Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Luke S. Smetters. Burial will be in the West Wiota Lutheran Cemetery, Gratiot Township, LaFayette Co. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, at the Wiota Lutheran Church. The Hanson Funeral Home is serving the family.
He played baseball with several area teams and softball until he was in his sixties. Berg was known for his pitching, especially the split-finger fastball that fooled many a hitter. Merlin enjoyed watching baseball, and his favorite teams were Atlanta and St. Louis. He loved to fish the Pecatonica River, small streams and in Canada. He also enjoyed cooking, old time fiddle music and riding in the countryside.
Merlin is survived by his sisters, Mae Dunn of Cape Coral, FL, and Joslyn (Duane) Shippy of McConnell, IL; many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; brother, Virgil Berget; sisters, Myrtle Carroll, Avis Mau, Shirley Berget in infancy and Hazel Zuberbuhler.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 17, 2010, at the Wiota Lutheran Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Luke S. Smetters. Burial will be in the West Wiota Lutheran Cemetery, Gratiot Township, LaFayette Co. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, at the Wiota Lutheran Church. The Hanson Funeral Home is serving the family.