Rev. Merritt Berg of Downers Grove, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 at the age of 98. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 75+ years Elaine, his mother, Cleo Bierman and his father, Merritt Wood.  He is survived by his sister, Soma Hemingway, his sons Duane (Christine) Berg and Paul (Laurie) Berg. Loving Grandfather to grandchildren Samantha (Christopher) Licka and Kenneth (Elizabeth) Berg, and loving Great Grandfather to Kyle, Colin, Ryan, Sydney, Tyler, Haley & Wyatt.

Merritt was born on October 22, 1924 in Edgeley, North Dakota. He moved to Illinois as a young child, and was a graduate of Lane Technical High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. December 15, 1942. Served as an Altitude Chamber Technician, and was discharged on January 29, 1946 as a Corporal.

Around 1942, Merritt met Elaine Clausen while he was a young man working in a grocery store. He was smitten by this beautiful young woman. Elaine's mom had a nickname for her daughter, "babe". When he heard this, he told Elaine he had a dog named Babe…they started to talk.  At this time, when you needed to purchase an item, a clerk would get it off the shelf for you. Merritt was more than happy to bring the items to Elaine and her mother. The rest as they say…is history.  They married on August 17, 1946. In 2021, they celebrated their 75th anniversary.

Together they had two sons, Duane (Christine) and Paul (Laurie) as well as a four-legged family member and friend, Gretchen, a cute Dachshund. Merritt had to travel quite often for work. Even so, the family was very active in church at St. Peters UCC in Chicago.

He was a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 85 in which both sons were involved. Recognized by his adult Boy Scout peers, for having made an impact on the lives of youth through extraordinary volunteer service to the Chicago Council, he was presented with the Silver Beaver award in 1973.

While a member of St. Peters, Merritt responded to the call to minister, by leaving his position as Executive Vice President of Aetna Bearing Co., and enrolled in North Park Theological Seminary. Upon graduation in 1976, he was ordained a Minister of the Gospel in the United Church of Christ. In the same year, he was installed as the Pastor of Watson Park Church where he served until his retirement in 1997.

Even in retirement, Merritt continued to minister by performing many marriage and burial services. He and his wife, Elaine, were active members of Christ Church in Des Plaines.

He was an active Mason for 72 years, and was past Master of Ivanhoe Lodge in Chicago.

He maintained a curious nature, enjoyed photography, and traveling in the U.S., taking his family to see the State Capitols.

Through his ministry he touched many lives. He will be missed!

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to Shriners Children's Hospital in Chicago, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=shrinerschildrens&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=donateheader&utm_campaign=shrinerschildrens&c_src=shrinerschildrens&c_src2=header . For information, please call 847-699-9003.