Major Duane Charles Berg (Duey), 88, retired US Air Force fighter pilot of Kansas City, MO died Thursday morning October 11, 2018. He was admired and respected for his service in the armed forces as well as local charity organizations including Sertoma, Breakfast at 8 Club, and The Elks. He ran in numerous charity runs into his 70s. He was a championship bowler, an avid golfer and he enjoyed traveling the country and the world. Duey loved to sing; he even appeared in local operas such as Toska and Othello at the Lyric Theatre.
Duey was born Dec 28th, 1929 in Antler ND to Esther (Zimmer) and Alfred Berg (both deceased). He graduated from Westhope High School May 28th, 1948. He was a star on the football and basketball teams and the lead in most of the school plays & musicals. After high school he attended Coyne Electrical Institute and became a certified electrician. Upon his retirement from the Armed Forces, Duey became an entrepreneur by starting his own electrical/repair business, Duey's Appliance. He worked hard for almost 40 years serving the greater Kansas City community.
He and his brother Donald Berg (Sonny, deceased) developed a passion for flying when they bought a small plane and taught themselves how to fly. He decided to utilize his flying skills by serving his country, joining the USAF in 1952. He received many recognitions and awards reaching the rank of Major, and was mentioned in the book Rupert Red Two. He spent time stationed in Guam, Germany, Japan, Taiwan and several states in the US: Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, North Dakota and Missouri.
His children fondly remember him filling the house with singing and laughter. He was a hard-working man with endless energy who always inspired people, including his children, to go the extra mile. He leaves behind five children: Suzanne (Stephen) Toth, Duane Berg Jr, Mark Berg, Diane (Tom Haley) Berg and Samantha (Tony) Kopek; seven grandchildren: Chris (Jennifer Petitti) Toth, Sarah (Craig) Shank, Melissa (Justin) Koloff, Taylor Kopek, Riley Haley, William Kopek, Thomas Haley III and nine great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 19 at 11a.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.
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