Donald Wayne Berg Sr.

Donald W. Berg Sr. passed peacefully with his wife and grandson by his side on the eve of July 4^th 2023. Donald, a patriot and a hero, said goodbye to this world and his family at the age of 86. Donald was born on September 1^st 1936 in Champagne, IL to Melvin Lloyd Berg and Rose Foley. He was an active and entrepreneurial young man, even delivering papers at 8 years old. During his formative years, he became a great tennis player, a skill that he continued throughout the rest of his life. In high school, Donald an all-around athlete, lettered several times in football, basketball, diving, swimming, and of course tennis. Later in life he became a prolific Jai alai player, and represented the US Air Force in Tennis, winning countless tournaments. Donald was also an avid racer in his late teens and early 20’s with his prized 1956 Chevy Corvette and Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle.

At the onset of the Vietnam war, Donald voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army, where he sustained multiple injuries in the service of his country. He later re-enlisted in the United States Air Force where he again served in Vietnam. Following Vietnam, he continued his long distinguished career, and subsequently retired in 1985. Following his military service, Donald once again served his country as part of the Department of Defense, retiring in 1999.

In the early 60’s Donald was deployed to Clark Air Force base in the Philippines, where he met and married the love of his life, Geraldina Bautista. Donald and Geraldina built a beautiful life and family together; sharing an enduring love that remained strong throughout the years and comforted him in his last days.

Donald’s passion for life lasted long after retirement where he settled in Citrus Heights, CA. He would play tennis with his friends weekly and traveled with his family. Donald never lost his love of cars and racing; a hobby he shared lovingly with his daughter Donna, son Don, and grandson Dillon.

Donald was a craftsman and builder. He loved improving and building a space where his family could always come home. He was a rock... bringing together the entire family in the home that he built, year after year, and strengthened them as he always had.

In his last years, Donald was comforted by the constant companionship and love he shared with his wife Geraldina and grandson Dillon, who honored him and loved him every day. He experienced freedom and dignity in his later years with the help of his whole family, whom he filled with joy and gratitude until the very last day. He loved to play gin rummy and dominos.

Donald Berg was survived by his loving children; Tammy Gill, Arlene B. Egan, Gerry L. Berg, Donna L. Berg-Lyons, Donald W. Berg II and his 12 grandchildren; Gerrell M. Berg, Ashley Egan, Christopher Egan, Marcus J. Berg, Katherine Egan, Dillon Demas, Robert Egan, Thomas Egan, Jarrett E. Berg, Madison A. Berg, Jacob O. Berg, and Colby Berg. In addition, 7 great grandchildren; Gerrell M. Berg II, Jervon Berg, Kadir E. Berg, Amari Berg, Greyson Egan, Keilani Berg, and Sloane Sklaver.