Karen Lee Berg

KAREN LEE (MATZ) BERG, age 75, of Waseca passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health System – Methodist Campus in Rochester after a short battle with cancer.

Karen was born on July 12, 1949, in Waseca, the daughter of Dora (Fennert) Matz. She graduated from Waseca High School and went on to dedicate much of her life to caring for her family. As a homemaker, she lovingly cared for her husband Gary, who was gravely injured in Vietnam. In 1967, she was united in marriage to Gary Berg in Port Hueneme, California. Although they later divorced, they remained close friends throughout the years.

Karen began her career with Steele County as a Custodian, retiring after seventeen years of service. She had a deep love for traveling. Her family was at the center of her world. Karen was a devoted grandmother, always ensuring her grandchildren felt supported and loved. She took great pride in making everyone around her feel special.

Karen was a proud supporter of Veterans and loved her country. She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca, where she enjoyed attending services and participating in Bible study. In her leisure time, Karen found peace in laying in the sun, reading the Bible, and reflecting on her faith.

Karen is survived by her four children, Michele (Al) Tischer of Austin, Marcie (Nathan) Ross of Waseca, Matthew (Kristina) Berg of Waseca, and Mitchell Berg of Chesapeake, VA; grandchildren, Lucas Tischer, Katey (Kyle) Sellers, and Isaac (Alyssa) Tischer all of Austin, Emilee (Blake) Kortuem, Alex (Carley Larson) Ross, and Juliana (Nathan) Sipe all of Waseca, Jordyn (Gavin) Doering of OK, Ryan Berg of Waseca, and Noah Berg of SC, Tyler Berg, Oscar Berg, and Lauren Berg, all of VA; great-grandchildren, Oaklyn and Cleo Tischer, Amelia and Charlotte Sellers, Adalyn Tischer, Tate and William Kortuem, and Liam Berg; sister, Connie (David) Krause of Holmen, WI; nephews, Scott (Melissa) Matz, Craig (Sheri) Matz both of Sedalia, MO; and many other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dora Matz; brother, Chuck Matz; and many other special relatives.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Michael Grannis officiating. Interment will follow at Woodville Cemetery.