Charles "Chuck" Frederick Berg

Chuck was born on August 6, 1935, in Fredonia, New York, to Torrence and Marjorie (née Einhouse) Berg. The middle child of three brothers, he grew up on a 15-acre farm and vineyard. They raised chickens, cultivated wheat and oats, and sold Concord grapes to the Welch’s juice factory. Those early days on the farm led to Chuck’s lifelong love of plants, animals, and gardening.

Highly regarded as a “swell guy” at Brocton Central School, upon graduating in 1953 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following his training in Biloxi, Mississippi, he became a radio/radar operator stationed at the U.S. Air Force Base in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Chuck served his country for four years during the Cold War, from October 1953 to September 1957.

In December 1958, Chuck met the love of his life, Diann Alice Dobstaff, at a church Christmas party. Their first date was a midnight church service on New Year’s Eve. Chuck and Diann became engaged on Easter Day 1959. Their wedding was held on July 9, 1960, at Ebenezer United Church of Christ in West Seneca, New York, where they had first met.

Chuck was awarded an associate’s degree in Applied Science from the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical Institute at Alfred in June 1961. He worked at 84 Lumber, Nabisco, and WGR-TV in Buffalo, New York. He and Diann lived in Alfred and Elma, New York, and had two children before moving their family to Tempe, Arizona in 1976. Chuck started his own business as a lawnmower parts distributor and later sold manufactured homes.

Chuck’s sense of humor made him the life of every party, while his faith was also an important part of his life. A man of great honesty and integrity, he read his Bible daily and always thought of the needs of others before himself. He regularly donated to the Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

After his wife of 58 years died on December 27, 2018, Chuck moved to Pioneer RV Resort in North Phoenix. His children and grandchildren came to visit him often, and Chuck also made many new friends there. However, he dearly missed Diann and looked forward to seeing her again someday, so at least we can take heart that he finally got his wish. They will be interred together at Green Acres Cemetery in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Chuck and his older brother Lewis of Arvada, Colorado, passed away within days of each other, leaving behind their younger brother Ken who lives in Independence, Missouri. Chuck is survived by his daughter Teri and son-in-law Richard Olsen of New River, Arizona; his son Brian and daughter-in-law Lisa of Phoenix, Arizona; and five cherished grandchildren: Peter (30), Jonathan (25), Joshua (20), Brandon (20) and Ashley (17).

Chuck’s life was the embodiment of Matthew 6:19-20: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."