Phyllis Berg

MADISON/VERONA-Phyllis J. Berg, age 90, of Verona, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at St. Mary's Care Center. She was born on May 2, 1926, in Beloit, the daughter of Ray and Florence Korfmacher. Phyllis is survived by sons, Rick of Madison, Jeff (Julie) of Verona, Tom (Sue) of Madison and Jim (Tammy) of Houston, Texas; daughter Pam Marshall of Madison; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many good friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Terry (Nancy) Korfmacher. A Celebration of Phyllis's Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016. Please come in your favorite Wisconsin Badgers apparel. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Mary's Care Center for their kind and compassionate care of Phyllis.  The following commentary is offered on behalf of the following families: Rick and Carla Berg Son: John (Ericka) Berg Son: Charlie (Maria) Berg Son: Yuri Berg Daughter: Katie Berg Jeff and Julie Berg Son: Jason (Julie) Berg Daughter: Jennifer (Brandon) Cooper Son: Logan Son: Wyatt Tom and Susan Berg Son: Christopher (Jesus Zalapa) Berg Daughter: Sara (Jesus) Solgado Son: Corbin James and Tammy Berg Daughter: Nichole ( Kurt ) Von Haden Son: Josh (Amber) Berg Son: Grayson Pam (Berg) Marshall (A special thank you to John Marshall for all the love and support he gave to Phyllis and her family over many years.) ======================================== Phyllis Berg spent nearly all of her 90 years living in, near or around Madison and she embraced the city as much as she embraced life itself. In a long and fulfilling life, she had time to pursue many passions. She worked for the University of Wisconsin for 33 years. She loved Badger football and all the hoopla surrounding game day. But perhaps loved the Badger band most of all. In the 1970's and 80's she spent many Saturdays cheering on the Badgers and dancing through the fifth quarter, sometimes with her 70-something mother dancing right by her side. Phyllis never did anything half-hearted. It wasn't until the war ended that she met Robert Berg, another Madison native who had graduated from East High School and who bravely and honorably served in World War II. Phyllis had graduated from West High School, but when east and west met, sparks flew. Robert preceded Phyllis in death in 1999, and with their union they had had five children. Phyllis was blessed with four boys and one daughter. She loved to cook and those who enjoyed those dishes will never forget them. Many have tried to replicate, few have succeeded. The homemade cinnamon rolls remain legendary. Phyllis loved holidays and worked hard to make them happy and memorable for all around her. She made everyone feel rich in love. In her prime Phyllis was an accomplished bowler, golfer, full-time mother, Packers fan and, eventually, a bread winner for her family. She never complained about all the sacrifices she made to keep them all fed and clothed and housed in comfortable surroundings. Sure there were challenges and sometimes disagreements and curve balls out of left field, but her love made everything alright in the end. For her, family is what mattered. Phyllis had a wonderful smile and a great laugh that resonates even today. The English poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson once wrote that "Love is the only gold." In that sense, those around Phyllis always had plenty of gold. By the time Alzheimer's and dementia had ravaged her body and mind, it was hard for Phyllis to vocalize what was in her mind. But, those who knew her well, could tell what she wanted to say by looking into her eyes. They said it all and more. In those days it was enough to just hold her, make her smile and, hopefully, get to hear that hearty laugh one more time. The body may be gone, but the love goes on forever through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and onto those not yet born. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420