Lyle Berg

Lyle Lyman Berg, 90, of Webster, South Dakota fell asleep in the Lord on September 7, 2023, at Bethesda Nursing Home in Webster, SD.

His funeral will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 11, 2023 at Tabor Lutheran Church in Webster. Military interment will be  at the Webster Cemetery.

Visitation will be 3-5 P.M. Sunday, September 10, 2023 at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the Service.

The son of Elmer and Myrl (Kennedy) Berg, Lyle was born in Webster, SD in November 1932. He was baptized and confirmed at American Lutheran Church.

After graduating from Webster High School in 1950, he helped his mother, father and uncle on the family farm near Holmquist, SD. In 1953, he joined a group of men from Day County to enlist in the U.S. Army. In 1956, following 18 months deployed to Korea, he separated from the Army.

Lyle enrolled at South Dakota State University (SDSU), graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Following graduation, he worked as a civil engineer for the City of Crystal, MN. He attended Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, where he met his future wife, Arlee. They were married in 1962 in Zumbrota, MN. They celebrated their 61st Wedding Anniversary together on August 25, 2023.

In 1964, Lyle began working for the City of Bloomington, Minnesota where he founded and led the Traffic and Transportation Engineering Department. He retired for the first time in 2000 and second time in 2003. His accomplishments include the planning and development of many infrastructure improvements, supporting growth of the community from a partly rural village to Minnesota’s fourth largest city. With traffic safety as his priority, his major projects were arterial roadways, state highways, interstate highways, Mall of America, and the MSP Airport. He also led the establishment of the no overnight parking law on any Bloomington streets. In 2005, he was honored at the opening of the Lyle Berg Bridge. This bridge over I-35W completed many years of work to finish Bloomington’s northern business corridor, named American Boulevard.

Lyle faithfully served his community including as church youth group leader, many church boards, President of Central Lutheran Church, team coach, baseball umpire, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Webster Post and District Commander. He steadfastly supported family including church activities, sports, academics, family businesses, and the family farm. The routes from Bloomington to Zumbrota and Webster were frequently traveled by the Berg family.

Lyle enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed playing baseball, softball, and basketball on numerous teams, including the Town Ball baseball team and walking onto the SDSU Wrestling Team. He was never at a loss for stories of small-town sports teams, particular games (and their scores), school colors, and impressionable coaches. Traits of Lyle that will not be forgotten are his smirk with a good practical joke played, enjoyment of good conversation, and fun in finding a common bond. With a servant heart, can-do attitude, and a never give up work ethic, he blessed his family, coworkers, community, and ever-growing list of friends throughout his many years.

Lyle is survived by his wife Arlys (“Arlee”), sisters Jean Overn and Lois Small; children Capt. Timothy (Elizabeth) Berg, Dr. Troy (Corinne) Berg, and Dr. Tara (Dr. J.C.) Thieke; grandchildren Sophia, Austin James, Thomas, Joshua, Joseph, Nora, Katherine, Caleb, Grace, Colter, Hayden, Bennett; great grandchild Anna.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Myrl, and his sister Carol Evenson.

May God grant rest with the righteous and a good paradise to His faithful servant, Lyle.

Glory be to God for all things!

Memorials in Lyle’s honor may be made to:

Tabor Lutheran Church, 620 East Hwy 12, Webster, SD 57274

Bethesda Home Foundation, 129 West Hwy 12, Webster SD 57274