Harold Berge

Berge, Harold MADISON-Harold Berge, age 96, passed away on Sunday, July, 20, 2014. He was born the son of Andrew and Olina Berge, in Basco, Wis., on what was known as the Judd Farm. At the age of 2 years, his parents returned to Norway. At the age of 4 ½ they moved back to the United States. He completed grade school at the Bower School in Primrose Township and graduated from Belleville High School in 1935, the Salutatorian of his class. Harold worked as a farm hand until 1940 when he was inducted into the U.S. Army on Nov. 25, 1940, for one year, or so he thought. He spent Basic Training at Ft. Snelling, Minn, and then to base hospital in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. for 17 months. He then went to the base hospital in Camp Hale, Colo. for another 17 months and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. Harold married Gladys Bernice Jylland, the daughter of Oscar and Julia Jylland of Daleyville, Perry Township, on Sept. 9, 1941, while on a ten day leave from the service. Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941, extended his tour of duty to nearly five years. His daughter Diana was born, and two days later Harold sailed for overseas duty to England, France and Germany. He didn’t meet Diana until she was eighteen months old. Harold was assigned to the Civil Affairs division in France and to Military Government division in Germany. He was discharged from service on Sept. 15, 1945. He joined the Air National Guard in 1956 and retired from the Guard on Dec. 15, 1974, with 23 years of military service. Upon his return from the service, Harold worked for Capitol Auto Body and then Oscar Mayer Foods until his retirement on Feb. 1, 1980, after 26 years of service. He was very proud to be a charter member of the American Legion Post No. 501, Madison for over 60 years. He and his wife Gladys loved everyone they met in the organization. Harold is survived by his children, Diana Van Slyke and Robert (Beth) Berge; grandchildren, John Van Slyke II (Kristina), Janice (Rodney) Ross, Vicky Tavares, Blair (Tony) Nelson, and Paige Berge; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys; daughter, Judith Beck; son-in-law, John Van Slyke; brothers, Olav, Arol, Arthur; and sisters, Aslaug and Ruth. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at noon, on Thursday, July 24, 2014, with the Rev. Scot Sorensen presiding. Burial with military rites will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Severson-Cairns American Legion Post No. 501, 105 Dempsey Road, Madison, WI 53714. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420