Elma Jeanne Berg, age 98, of Billings formerly of Miles City passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 in Billings.
Jeanne was born September 2, 1925, in Crystal Falls, Michigan, to Wilfred and Dorothy Charron, the third of eight children. When she was ten years old, the family moved to Zell, South Dakota, where she attended St. Mary’s Catholic School from grades 5 through 8. This was a very formative time in Jeanne’s life. The family then moved to Seneca, SD, and she attended Seneca High School, graduating in 1943. She was accepted into the nursing program of the Presentation Sisters in Aberdeen, and enlisted in the United States Nurse Cadet Corps. After six months of training in Aberdeen she transferred to Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, where she completed nursing training in 1946.
After working at Holy Rosary as a staff nurse for two years, Jeanne moved to Los Angeles to work for the Veterans Administration Hospital, and then to the VA in Helena. Upon returning to Miles City, she met Conrad Berg. They fell in love and began to plan their life together. They were married at Sacred Heart Church on June 3, 1950.
Connie and Jeanne raised their ten children in Miles City, centering their lives around faith and friends, in the home that Connie built. It was amazing how they worked together to coordinate activities so that church, school, sports, music, art and social functions each had their place, and the household flourished. Connie and Jeanne were a hardworking, loving team and ran a tight ship, with the whole family involved. Their efforts also extended into the community. In later years, along with two other nurses and their husbands, they established the first licensed personal care facility in Montana.
Connie and Jeanne moved to Billings in 2001 to be more available to their extended family, now growing into new generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Following Connie’s death in 2008, Jeanne moved to Fox Meadows Apartments where she continued to be an active support for her family and friends for the next 5 years. She suffered a stroke in 2018 and was admitted to St. John United Assisted Living in Billings. There she continued to be Mom and Grandma to her family for the next six years.
Jeanne is survived by ten children and their families. These include Bishop Stephen Berg of Pueblo, CO; Lori and Dave Gillette of Miles City; Joe and Rachel Berg of Belfair, WA; Chris and Dr. Bob Ulrich of Billings; Mary Beth Nickens of Billings; Barb and Doug Foote of Lolo; Dorothy and Brad Owens of Missoula; Connie Jo and Todd Dulaney of Great Falls; Megan and Lawrence King of Missoula; and Matthew Berg of Billings. She leaves behind 31 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren.
Jeanne is preceded in death by her husband, Conrad, one grandson, James; one sister, Rachel Wherry and four brothers, Jack Charron, Bill Charron, Jim Charron and Al Charron. She is also predeceased by a very special longtime friend, Janice Swanson of Miles City. She is survived by a younger brother, Bishop Joseph Charron of Des Moines, IA and a younger sister and her husband Mary and Tom Bowar and family of Spearfish, SD, always close to her. There are also many Charron nieces and nephews who have kept in touch throughout the years.
Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City on Monday, August 12, 2024. Family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary and Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Miles City. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School or Outreach Pregnancy Clinic.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 12, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday August 12, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 13, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 12, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday August 12, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 13, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Mary Beth Cline James says
Sending all my love to the Berg family. Jeanne was a second mother to me and a true treasure to all who met her. She loved her family fiercely. She was still giving advice to me a couple of weeks ago. I will cherish that last visit. I know her entire family will honor her all the rest of their days.
MaryAnn Stoltz says
Sorry, for the loss of your mom! God will help the family through this rough Time!
Hug and prayers!
Lindy Annalora says
Mary Beth, Lori, and all of the Berg family – My deepest sympathies on the loss of your wonderful Mother. I will always remember the many times our paths crossed over the years. Your Mom was a special lady and I know she will be missed. May you find comfort and peace in your memories. By the way, I was blessed to have had her as my Confirmation sponsor.
Fern Carey Griggs says
I will always miss my friend Jeanne! Enjoyed meeting her wonderful family over the years. Rest in peace Jeanne
Trish Little says
I am thinking of you and your family, Chris and Dr. Ulrich. I know you loved and cherished your mom/mom-in-law, and the kindness and care you exhibited for her through the years touched my heart. I realize the joy of her homecoming must be balanced with the grief you all feel in losing her. I am thinking of you, and of her as well, and the reunion she is having with her loved ones who went before. She is in the presence of the Lord, and knowing the two of you, I am absolutely sure you think of this often, even as you experience profound sadness in her absence. Much love always.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Shannon Halsey-Holmen says
To all the Berg kids, I will always remember her greeting me at the door with a smile, her house as neat as a pin, and wonderful homemade meals filled the air. We were all lucky to have mothers in that era. Warms my heart to think of her in Connie’s arms. She had a wonderful life well lived. My prayers.
Cheryl Rainey Yasuda says
My condolences to the entire Berg family. Your Dad was our rural mail carrier in my childhood and was especially kind to my young widowed mother and us. Your parents are a great example of warmth and kindness. Their legacy lives on through each of you!
Jane Shores says
I was a neighbor of the Bergs many years ago when our kids were young. I had 2 and she had 10. She ran circles around me! She was so organized! She was such a special person! RIP.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending prayers and my condolences to all the Berg family. I know you have many memories to cherish of your dear mom. May she rest in peace.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Families,
So very sorry to read your beloved Jeanne passed away. Her devotion to family and her faith is evident in the people she loved, nurtured, and raised. May the Holy Spirit bring you His comfort and peace today and in the coming days. Eternal rest grant unto her o Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.”
My condolences to all ,
Kim Stanton and family
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Treba Hollowell says
What an incredible woman! Very few of us will leave such a legacy. Mrs. Berg did it all with style, grace and humor. My love to all the Bergs.
Diane M Welbes says
Thoughts and prayers for the family. She raised a beautiful family, that will miss her.
BERNADETTE MILLER says
The Flemming Family sends prayers for peace and comfort in the loss of your Mother. Jeanne was a beautiful lady and remembered by many people.
Nicole, Rhonda, Vaughn and Bernadette
Geraldine Messer says
My condolences to the family. Stephen Berg is our Bishop at Sacred Heart Cathedral for which we are very thankful. He has always mentioned his mom with loving tenderness. She and the family are in our prayers.
Jennifer Cline Hogan says
Remembering Jeanne fondly and sending love to all the Bergs. What a beautiful life your mother lived and gave to all of you. Hugs.
Darlene says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jim and Lavina Hall says
Berg Family…..I always enjoyed visiting with your dear mom when I passed the house delivering the mail. She was a very special person to say the least. Will have a mass said for her here in Forsyth.
Julie and Butch Krutzfeldt says
A wonderful lady and role model for all of us. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Love to all…
Joe Wherry says
Sorry for your lost…..R I P aunt Jeanie… sending.my love and prayers to the Bergs family
Sherri Swanson says
I find it difficult to put into words what Jeanne meant to me, as well as my family. She was my mom’s best friend and a second mom to me. Jeanne and the entire Berg family are a huge part of who I am today. I don’t remember a time or a situation in my youth that did not include “The Bergs”. When I think of Jeanne, the two main things that come to mind in all of my memories are 1) She never judged and 2) She always showed up. She had ten kids of her own, but she always had time for me no matter what else she had going on, and she listened without judgement to whatever I was going through. She was also FUN. Always happy and energetic and ready for the next adventure with my mom and all of the kids. She ran a tight ship and you knew better than to wear your shoes in her house or show up late for dinner. She worked HARD and everything she touched had that special Jeanne magic. 98 years of living, loving and nurturing and it still doesn’t feel right she is gone. I know our mom’s had a great reunion in heaven and will be smiling down on us for the rest of our time. Love and Hugs to all my Berg families. May your wonderful memories bring you peace in the coming days and weeks as you bid her farewell, for now! Rest in Peace Jeanne. You are so loved!
Albeiro Herrera-Ciro says
St. Leander Church in Pueblo and Fr. Albeiro Herrera Ciro as a Current Pastor are with our Bishop and his family in this difficult moment. Our condolences and our prayers are with you. God blees you and strengthen you.
LaRae Tangen says
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Melinda Tangen says
Connie Jo , Megan and family, my condolences to you all.
Janet B Klein says
My sympathy to the Berg family. May memories sustain you through the days, weeks and years to come. She was a beautiful lady!
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles says
Lori and all of Jeanne’s family, my sympathy to you all. It’s always difficult to lose a parent, even when they have lived a full life. God bless you.
Mary Ann Liles
Fr. Jeganmari - HGN says
Dear Bishop Stephen Berg and Family members…
Heartfelt condolences to you all and may your beloved mother Jeanne Berg’s soul rest in peace and enjoy eternal bliss. My humble prayers for you and may God give you strength in this painful moment.
– Fr. Jeganmari and St Mary Parishioners, Walsenburg,
Joe and Cathi Peila says
An example to many. She leaves a wonderful legacy of family and community. Blessings of peace and joy in the memories to all of the Berg family.
Trisha and Eloy Arellano says
Bishop Berg, We are sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and your family from Two of St. Benedict parishioners.
Caroline Schneider says
Berg Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate your Mother’s wonderful life. She was one special lady. Rest in peace with the Lord.
Mary Devinney says
Very sorry for the loss of my Aunt Jeanne. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of the Berg Family during this most difficult time. What a great legacy she leaves behind. Such an example of a well lived life!
Linda Moore says
To all the Berg families
Sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom. We all miss our mom’s when they leave us. Now she is in heaven with her Lord and savior, how glorious. Too Mr Berg is reunited with his love . Take care all
Linda Esser Moore
Martha Bonine says
Connie Jo, and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the gift of life your mom continues to be. I am certain, without a doubt, the SHS moms who’ve passed, welcomed Mrs. Berg home with the joy she brought to so many throughout her life. Know that you are surrounded with the Love of a compassionate God.
Jessie Leidholt says
To all of Jeanne Bergs family I send my love. I met her many years ago when I worked for Connie. She was a marvel at getting something done. She told me of the early years when they lived in a tiny place and how she had to get thing done to make it work. And she had a marvelous faith. What an inspiration she was. To this day when I get everything done I will say to myself, “Jeanne would be proud of this”. And she did it all with fun and joy. What a woman.
Jacqueline (Bertrand) Smith says
Berg Family: I’m truly sorry for the loss of your dear, sweet mother. May her legacy live on.
Tracee Raymond says
Mary Beth, Connie Jo and the rest of the Berg family,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Sending my condolences to all of you. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann (Losinski) Wetherelt says
Over 50 years ago, our Home Ec class was given a tour of the Berg home. I remember Mrs. Berg being so gracious to us. But mostly I remember seeing the wall in the living room that had a special frame that had spaces for all 10 children’s graduation pictures under a picture of. them in their younger days. (I believe it was their First Communion picture but I could be mistaken) That wall was so amazing to me and the memory of it has remained with me all this time. I thought is was so marvelous for parents to make their family the centerpiece of their home in such a very remarkable way. My sympathy to all the family. What an outstanding life she lived.
Brenda Koski says
Connie Jo and all the Berg family! I have many FOND memories of growing up with your family and wonderful mom, Jeanne! My deepest sympathies to you all, a Mother has such a special place in our Hearts her Love is with you ALL, ALWAYS! Many prayers l, blessings and thoughts are with you all!
Rest In Gods Glory Jeanne
God Bless Brenda (Esser) Koski
Brenda Koski says
Connie Jo and all the Berg family! I have many FOND memories of growing up with your family and wonderful mom, Jeanne! My deepest sympathies to you all, a Mother has such a special place in our Hearts her Love is with you ALL, ALWAYS! Many prayers l, blessings and thoughts are with you all!
Brenda (Esser) Koski
Patricia Smith says
Bishop Berg, My condolences to you, and your family. I hope with the help of family and friends your grief will turn into happy memories. May she rest in peace.
Parishioner from Saint Paul’s Apostle Church Pueblo West.
Eugene Bankey says
Bishop Stephen Berg and family May God grant her soul eternal rest. Condolences and prayers for the loss of your family
Rachel Schlepp says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Our lives will have a whole where Jeanne wss apart of us. She loved us all and guided many to a Catholic path and was always there if we needed assistance. What a life that she lived I only hope that I can follow her lead. Jeannie you will be miss ❤️
Dorothy and Martha Nottveit says
Bergs family
So sorryloss your mom. She very sweet lady . I met her when was little child and live next door to my Cousins Swanson. My prayers and thought all you.
Michaela Hedican, OSB says
Dear family of Jeanne,
Be assured of my prayers at this tender time of your dear mother, Jeanne’s death. Her gentle, wise and loving presence touched me deeply whenever we were together. She was special. May cherished memories bring you comfort and peace.
Lovingly,
Sister Michaela Hedican, OSB
Mark & Deb Dulaney says
Connie Jo and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May your mother rest in peace and may you all cherish all of the memories you have with her.
Tab Fleming says
Dear Berg family please accept our sincere condolences for the of your loss. She raised an amazing family and you are all a great reflection of her love and dedication. I pray that our Heavenly Father will comfort you all in the day to come.
Sharon Gaughan says
My prayers and my condolences are with you all. May you find comfort in all the great memories you have and knowing she is celebrating eternal love and peace.
Maureen O'Reilly says
What a wonderful lady and friend. Remember many coffee times spent at Cracker Barrel . Jeannie never sewed and made a couple Shamareens Costumes for her and always got a HUGH loaf of homemade bread for doing it. What a treat. She and Connie were a great team and what a wonderful family they raised. My sympathy to goes to all of them.
Kim Smarsh says
May the perpetual light shine upon her. My sympathy and prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Fr. Stephen says
Dear Bishop Stephen Berg and Berg family,
From all of us here at St Benedict Parish in Florence CO and Our Lady of the Assumption, Westcliffe CO, accept our most sincere condolences and assured prayers for the loss of your dear Mother. May Our Heavenly Father console and comfort you all in the days to come. May cherished memories bring you comfort and peace. May God give you strength. Our Prayers persist! Requestat in Pacem Elma Jeanne (Charron) Berg.
Bonnie Hartman says
I have heard you speak lovingly of your mother since you became our bishop here in Colorado. Since I am a Montana native growing up in Peerless, just about 100 miles from Miles City, I held a special place in my heart for her.
No matter the age, it is always hard to say good bye to our mother. Our prayers are with you as you remember your years with her. God’s blessings on your huge family.
Jeanne Cline says
My deepest condolences to the Berg family. What a wonderful legacy she left.
John Shevlin says
Our prayers go out to the Berg family. Knew the Berg family well when we lived in Miles City.
Sandy & Bob Short says
Learning about Beth Winter’s death made me realize that I had been negligent about reading the Stevenson’s site. While browsing through it, we just learned of Jeanne’s death in August. She was such an attractive, charming, and energetic person. We did not know her in Miles City, and enjoyed getting to know her in Billings after we moved here. She was the center of her home, and you “children” will always miss her. Peace be with you.