Bruce Ralph Berg, 60 of Russell died Monday, July 20, 2009 at the Russell Regional Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Bruce was born December 4, 1948 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, the son of Ralph H. and Viola (Andrews) Berg.  He grew up in Chicago, Illinois and Denver, Colorado.  He graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a bachelors’ degree and earned a master’s degree in woodworking.

Bruce served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968.

Bruce was a self-employed carpenter and painter.  He has lived in Chicago, Hays, Denver, southern California and moved to Russell in 1999.  He worked for the Deines Cultural Center as a docent.

Bruce was known for his wonderful ability to bake bread and cooking.

Surviving family include two sisters, Pamela Berg of Fullerton, California and Penny Berg and partner Robin Luedtke of Arvada, Colorado; step-mother, Betty Berg of San Antonio, Texas; nephew, Joshua Berg Axelrad of Brooklyn, New York; numerous cousins and his devoted dog, Koko and cat Clyde.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Bruce’s Life will be held at 6:00 PM Friday evening, July 24, 2009 at the Deines Cultural Center in Russell.  No visitation will be held, cremation has preceded the service.  A memorial has been established with the Deines Cultural Center.