George Warner Berg

George Berg, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 26, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born in February of 1938 in Manteca, California. to Ruth and George Berg. In 1944, George, at the age of six, lost his dad. His mother, Ruth, went on to marry his stepdad, Glen Tyler, in 1946.

George spent his younger years traveling as he rodeoed with his stepdad, hazing for Glen, and competing in bull riding, steer wrestling, and calf roping. Glen Tyler and George worked together as they organized rodeos as well. He attended Walla Walla High School for one year before moving to Yuma, Arizona, where he graduated in 1957.

After graduating from high school, George moved to Goldendale to work on the John Day Dam. While there, George met and married his wife of 60 years, Gayle Berg. The couple soon moved to Texas and Germany, where George was drafted and served three years in active duty and three years in reserve duty as a medical specialist. While serving active duty, the couple traveled to Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Holland. They returned to Goldendale, where he continued working on the dam before moving to Walla Walla in 1967 to join the Walla Walla Fire Department. He went on to dedicate 31 years of service to the department as an engineer and lieutenant before retiring as Fire Captain in March of 1998.

George was a humble servant of the Lord and dedicated many years of his life volunteering in his community, even in his final time here on earth. Over the years, George drove the Sunday school bus bringing local youth to church weekly, served as a church board member, and spent time maintaining local lawns and buildings. Along with his service to the church and community, George and his wife, Gayle Berg, welcomed over 30 foster children into their home over a 15-year period.

In his free time, George spent time with family and friends, especially those he grew close with at the fire station. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, four-wheeling, going boating, and was a member of the Roadrunner Club. George competed in the police and fire Olympics marathon. His sense of adventure, competitive nature, and need for speed were never lost on those around him.

George was blessed to spend the last year of his life married to Joan Miller of Walla Walla, who he is survived by. He is also survived by his five children Kayla Strauser (Mike), Kari Rimbey (Steve), Allen Berg, Javin Berg (Laura), and Teresa Pettyjohn (Howard), 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, his two brothers, Gary Tyler and Russ Nielson, and his stepbrother, Johnny Tyler. George is preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Berg, and his grandson, Ethan Strauser.

A memorial service will be held at the Amazing Grace Church of the Nazarene with Reverend Thomas Hogan officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Aid Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.