MILDRED JUNE KOSKINIEMI BERGE
July 8, 1933 ~ June 28, 2015
"Mildred was always happy and
willing to share her living Christian faith."
Mildred June Koskiniemi Berge, 81, passed away unexpectedly at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, OR, from complications due to a fall/stroke, surrounded by her family. She was born July 8, 1933 in Gackle, ND.
Mildred was a gifted and dedicated teacher. She started teaching at age 17 in a one-room schoolhouse on the prairies of the Mid-west and continued her work as an educator into her 70s, teaching in a number of places in Washington and Oregon over her career.
Mildred was well known for her generous hospitality and baking. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a bed, and she was always quick to bring meals and help out with her famous caramel rolls and home-made pies.
Mildred is survived by her spouse of 58 years, Kaare Berge of Grass Valley, OR; and their four children: Sara Berge Emerick (spouse, Steve Emerick) of Scottsdale, AZ, Sonja Berge Chandler (spouse, Peter Chandler) of New South Wales, Australia, Gail Berge Gunderson (spouse, Peder Gunderson) of Brush Prairie, WA, and James Berge (spouse, Gwen Berge) of Maple Grove, MN; 12 grandchildren: Megan Emerick Schneider (spouse, Chris Schneider), Kathryn Emerick Nealey (spouse, Clinton Nealey), Kevin Emerick, Grant Emerick, Kate Chandler, Ross Chandler, Emily Gunderson, Nathan Gunderson, Grace Gunderson, Corey Berge, Paige Berge, and Philip Berge; her brother, Byron Koskiniemi (spouse, Yvonne Koskiniemi) of Battle Ground, WA; sister, Audrey Koskiniemi Lobbestael (spouse, Charlie Lobbestael) of Troy, MI; brother, Ken Koskiniemi (spouse, Peggy Koskiniemi) of Dallas, TX; and she will also be missed by too many nieces, nephews and cousins to count.
She was predeceased by her parents, Marion and Oscar Koskiniemi; brothers, James and Glen Koskiniemi; and sister, Carol Koskiniemi Lindgren.
A funeral service will be held at the Grass Valley Elementary School, on July 11, 2015 at 11.30 a.m.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
I just want to express my condolences to the Berge family. As a teacher at Happy Valley School I recall this family support of school and values. I especially recall my late wife and I being treated to several family dinners in appreciation of my teaching. This was a highlight in my teaching career and spoke greatly about this family's priorities. I truly treasure my experiences with this family Accept my sympathy for your loss.
Sincerely,
Gary Nikkari
Finlander
cerely,
July 10, 2015
With sincere sympathy.
Monty and Judy(Muonio) Tuominen
July 10, 2015
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