Bonnie Rae Berg

Bonnie Rae (Cook) Berg, 90, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Jan. 25, 2023, in Deer Lodge, Mont. at the home she shared with her husband and where they raised their family. She spent her last days surrounded by her husband and children before being welcomed into the arms of her Savior.

Bonnie was born on Feb. 6, 1932, in Granger, Wash. to Charles and Ruth (Wickwire) Cook, and joined two brothers, Charles and Glenn. Bonnie’s family moved frequently during the Depression, living in Oregon, Idaho, and then Garrison and Elliston, Mont. In 1937, they moved to Deer Lodge where Bonnie attended school and graduated from Powell County High School. She was heartbroken over the death of her father in 1941. Her mother married again in 1944 to Art Hitz.

She met the love of her life, Philip Ole Berg, on a double date. They married on Aug. 10, 1951, and together built a marriage on a foundation of faith over 71 years. They were blessed with five children: Jim, Ole, Jon (JD), Paul and Lisa. She was a strong woman who found joy in raising four boys and was delighted when she and Phil welcomed a girl to the family. The family enjoyed spending time in the hills around Powell County and at Rock Creek Lake.

In addition to managing their household, Bonnie was the bookkeeper for Phil’s business, Berg Construction. Bonnie and Phil loved dogs, and for many years they bred and raised shelties. Their home was blessed over the years with many wonderful dogs who were always considered part of the family.

Bonnie was thrilled to be a grandmother to Rip, Katrina, Callie, Ty, Griff, Laine, Kaehl, Candra, Karlee, Tyrel and Georgiana, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Bonnie was an excellent cook, an exquisite seamstress and a wonderful hostess. Everyone who entered their home was greeted with a warm “hello” and hug. She was actively involved with the women’s groups at the First Christian Church and the Deer Lodge Assembly of God. She will be missed by her loved ones and friends. 

Bonnie was preceded in death by her father, Charles; mother, Ruth and stepfather, Art Hitz; brother, Charles “Chuck” and wife, Joan Cook; brother, Glenn and wife, Dede Cook; and sister-in-law Andrea Lawrence and husband, Bob. She is survived by her husband, Phil, and five children: Jim and Charla (Vanisko) Berg of Deer Lodge; Ole and Elizabeth (McKee) Berg of Deer Lodge; Jon and Sandy (Kratzer) Berg of Marshall, Va.; Paul and Colleen (Gaub) Berg of Billings; and Sam and Lisa (Berg) Bignell of Helmville. Her legacy continues through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  

No services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bonnie.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle has been privileged to care for Bonnie and her family.