Longtime Rochester Teacher George Carl Berg Dies at 88

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George Carl Berg, an 88-year-old former teacher from Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at Cottagewood Senior Communities Memory Care. Berg taught industrial arts for 35 years in the Rochester Public Schools system before retiring in 1997. He is survived by his wife Judith, daughter Judy, son David, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Why it matters

Berg's long teaching career and dedication to his students over decades made him a beloved figure in the Rochester community. His passing marks the end of an era for the Rochester Public Schools system, which benefited from his expertise and passion for industrial arts education.

The details

George Carl Berg was born on December 7, 1937, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Norman and Dorothy Berg. He grew up in Rushford, Minnesota, and earned his teaching degree from Winona State University, later achieving a Master's in Education. Berg began his teaching career at LeRoy-Ostrander Public Schools in Iowa before spending 35 years teaching industrial arts in Rochester Public Schools, retiring in 1997. He was married twice, first to Laurie Lynne Anderson with whom he had three children, and later to Judith Sue Schrage in 1983.

• George Carl Berg was born on December 7, 1937.
• He began his teaching career at LeRoy-Ostrander Public Schools in Iowa.
• Berg spent 35 years teaching industrial arts in Rochester Public Schools, retiring in 1997.
• He passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at the age of 88.