Ray Berg

She was born on July 20, 1933 in West Helena, Arkansas to the late Woody T. and Nellie (Ray) Strickland. Ray grew up in Arkansas until the age of twelve when her family moved to the New Orleans area. While visiting friends in California, she met a Navy sailor by the name of Donald “Jack” Berg. They were married on February 13, 1954 and briefly lived in New Orleans before moving their family to the Upper Peninsula. In 1968, the Berg family moved from Rock to Munising. Ray had an entrepreneurial spirit and was active in the Munising community. She owned and operated the Blue Fountain Motel before purchasing the Northern Hotel. Ray sold the hotels but then owned the Sears Store in Munising. She went to work for the Chamber of Commerce before retiring. Ray was a member of the Eden Lutheran Church and Business and Professional Women. She was active in Kiwanis and served as Lt. Governor. She enjoyed spending time at camp on Cooks Lake, and in her retirement, she found a community of friends she called her “beading buddies.”

Ray is survived by two daughters – Donna Dupuis of Escanaba and Lisa Berg-Case of Munising; grandchildren – Jacqueline Diesenroth, Taylor Berg, Tiffany Berg, Zach Dupuis, Daycia Case and Savannah Case; and great-grandchildren – Donny and Lilly Atherton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack on September 15, 2004, son Greg Berg, daughter Bridget O’Boyle, sister LaRue Bourque, and brother Woody T. Strickland.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eden Lutheran Church in Munising. A time of visiting and fellowship will take place after the service. Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Ray’s obituary and online guestbook may be found at bowermanfuneralhome.net.