Harlow Edward Berg

Harlow Edward Berg

September 8, 1932 - January 17, 2019

Harlow Berg, 86, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, January 17, 2019, at Sanford Medical Center, Bemidji, MN, of complications from Parkinson's disease.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick, MN with and hour of visitation prior to the services at the church. Military Honors will be accorded by American Legion Post # 304 of Gonvick, Minnesota. Interment will be at Samhold Lutheran Cemetery. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.

Harlow Edward Berg was born on September 8, 1932 to Robert and Getta in Gonvick, Minnesota.

Harlow was drafted into the Army during the Korean War (1953 - 1954). He was in the Heavy Mortar Company 53rd Infantry stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska. After his honorable discharge he partnered with his Dad, Robert Berg, Sr., in the Standard Oil Bulk Industry, located in Gonvick, serving Gonvick, and the surrounding communities including Gully, Trail, Pine Lake, Berner, Red Lake and Clearbrook.

Harlow married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Patricia "Tippy" Eck in June of 1952. His son Tim was born in 1953, his son Kevin in 1957, and daughter Terri in 1961. In July 1961, Harlow became the sole Standard Oil Agent following his father Robert Berg, Sr.'s retirement. Harlow and Tippy purchased the bulk business from Standard Oil, becoming Gonvick Oil Company in 1976. In addition to Harlow's ownership of Gonvick Oil he was a rural mail carrier for the Gonvick Post Office for several years. He retired as rural mail carrier from the Gonvick Post Office in 1988.

Harlow had a strong loyalty and devotion for his community of Gonvick and was therefore very active. He participated in many different organizations including the Gonvick Fire Department for 40 years, Samhold Lutheran Church as a sexton, on the board as a trustee, Gonvick-Trail School Board, and Gonvick City Council. He was a lifelong patriot of his country. Following his military service, he joined the Gonvick American Legion and was a member for 62 years. He served as an adjutant for numerous years as well.

Always quick with a smile and very witty, Harlow loved people and had a friend wherever he went. His interests included farming, hunting, snowmobile racing, sports, especially watching his sons' and grandsons' sporting events, and auction sales. Whenever he and a friend were able to go to an auction sale it was a good day. Full of energy and ready for fun, most of his days included visiting with "the boys" and at many times being a prankster.

Forever the businessman he enjoyed the art of negotiating the "best deal". Frequently after Tippy had finalized a purchase he would follow up after her in getting a better price. His last business venture was the creation and establishment of Harlow's Home Care Agency. Following his rehab and recovery from a stroke, his agency provided him the opportunity and ability to return to live in his home with Tippy in the spring of 2018.

Harlow treasured his home of Gonvick, Minnesota, and was happiest spending time driving around with Tippy, visiting with friends, and checking out the fields and the crops. He and Tippy enjoyed dancing, especially to polka. The last song he listened to while being hospitalized was the beer barrel polka. In his later years special times included enjoying time at his home, especially spring and summer days, with Tippy, sitting on the porch swing in their patio.

He is survived by his beloved wife Tippy, his three children, Tim (Roxanne), Kevin (Sheryl), and Terri (Keith), his five grandchildren, Derek (Molly), Matt (Melissa), Jonny (Molly), Megan, and Jenna, seven great grandchildren, Owen, Evie, Greta, Ethan, Regan, Nora, and Charlie, his sisters-in-law, Virginia (Ginny) Berg, Mavis Eck, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Getta (Clemenson) Berg and his brother, Robert Berg, Jr.

The family would like to thank all those that have helped them and Harlow, and a special thanks to Dr. Craig Haggerty, MD.

Blessed be his memory among us.