Obituary of Virgie Mae Rebecca Berg

Virgie was born in Lindsborg, Kansas to Gertie and Joseph Larson, the third of four children. She grew up in the Lindsborg/Roxbury area. She graduated from Roxbury High School where she met the love of her life, James L. Berg. They were united in marriage May 14, 1938 at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, Kansas. They had four children: James, Jack, Jeanne, and Janet. They raised their children on a farm between Lindsborg and Roxbury.

Education was very important to Virgie and Jim and they were determined their children would receive a college education. Virgie decided to pursue an education to finance the children’s college. She enrolled at Bethany College and started teaching in McPherson County. She proudly told folks she received her college degree “the same day as her son James, and Jack graduated from high school on that day!”

Virgie enjoyed going to college, and continued while teaching. She believed in the concept of “life long learner.” She received her Masters Degree in counseling from Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, and her Specialist Degree in School Psychology. She started coursework for her Doctorate, but decided to “take a break from studying” at the ABD level.

Virgie was one of the first women school psychologists in Kansas. She worked most of her professional career as a school psychologist in the Topeka area, serving the Seaman and Auburn-Washburn districts. She also worked for the State of Kansas, identifying students for the Learning Disabilities program as it was being established and written in Kansas. This was one of her greatest endeavors and it brought her much pride.

After Virgie retired she and Jim became “snow birds” and travelled to Southern Arizona for the winters in their Air Stream. They enjoyed shopping in Mexico and bringing back gifts for their family.

In recent years Virgie and Jim moved back to Lindsborg where they spent their final years. Above all, the love they shared for one another, and for their family was the greatest source of their happiness. Virgie spent her last 3+ years in the loving hands of the staff at Riverview Estates in Marquette, Kansas. The final chapter in her life was one of the best times for her since she loved the caring staff and they loved her!

Virgie was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Berg, and her son James V. Berg. She is survived by the widow of her son James (Martine), son Dr. Jack L. Berg (Anita), and daughters Dr. Jeanne L. Berg and Janet Lampe (Jim); sister-in-law, Lois Larson; and 11 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and her loving Boston Terrier Heidi Mae.

Virgie will be greatly missed by all who knew her. RIP Mor Mor. “We love you more.”

Private family gravesided services have been held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riverview Estates or the Bethany Lutheran Church, sent in care of Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.