Marilyn Rae (Sudmeier) Berg, 83, of Luck, met her maker in the early morning hours of April 23. She had been living on love, in her own home, for more or less the past year, where she was surrounded by her three children, as well as two very caring caregivers, as she fought to overcome a series of medical maladies. 

She was tired at the end – and ready to move on to greater glory. Marilyn was born Jan. 18, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Carl Henry and Ingrid Louise Sudmeier. She graduated from South High School, was the Minneapolis Aquatennial Queen, sailed to Europe on the Queen Mary and later came home and went to business school. She met her husband, Robert Mark Berg, singing in the church choir. 

They were wed in August of 1957 and to this union three children were born: Stephen Matthew, Lynda Christine and Susan Elizabeth. They had a dream, to live a joyful, peaceful life in the country. So they bought a beautiful 40-acre hobby farm situated across from the seventh hole on the Luck Golf Course, the “Circle 7,” just a half-mile down the road from Marilyn's ancestral home, across from the ninth tee at the beginning of the Chippewa Trail, where Marilyn later lived out her years. Marilyn and Bob were lively members of the Luck Community as proprietors of the D'lux Theater in Luck and the Teen Club in Milltown. They enjoyed their Country Club membership and particularly relished Men's Day and Ladies Day activities. It was a real blow to the area when the Duncan Yo-Yo Factory went out of business, especially for a growing family in the hospitality industry and the Bergs moved to Minneapolis. Marilyn's primary career was in real estate, she was both a Realtor and V.A. Appraiser, but she did a great many other things. Among them were running the Duff's Celebrity Golf and Tennis Tournament for many years, raising millions for the Variety Club Heart Hospital, and organizing the Great Airplane Toss at the Metrodome, fundraising for the National Kidney Foundation. Bob's work was in Advertising and Sales Promotion and he traveled extensively, often with the family in tow. The couple later divorced and Marilyn met a special friend while she was the Executive Secretary for the Jaycee National Convention. They enjoyed a relationship that endured until her death.

Marilyn was well-loved in the community and known for her sparkly hats. She never missed an auction and she was an avid garage-saler. She made friends wherever she went. She was on the Interfaith Caregivers Board as well as that of the Luck Museum, where she worked for a number of years. She was also proud to be a Rowdy Red Hat Mama and had a special relationship with that great group of givers. She volunteered with the Luck Frederic Soleburner Run/Walk for the American Cancer Society and was an Honorary Chair as a survivor of both lung and colon cancer. She was also a member of Bone Lake Lutheran Church. She was a fighter. She never complained, ever. She was the World's Greatest Listener – and she loved with her whole heart. 

She will be hugely missed. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. She is survived by her children: Stephen Berg, Lynda (Dick) Olds, Susan Matusiak; grandchildren: Chase Berg, Winston Cluett, Matthew (Alisha) Matusiak and Alida Matusiak; great-grandchildren: Jack, Leo and Emersyn Matusiak; her brothers James (Jillian) Sudmeier and Paul (Helen) Sudmeier and several cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family. Her grandchildren adored her – and she them. “Grandma GG” was very special to Jack as well.  

Due to this COVID-19 monster, we can't have funeral services per say – but we will have a Celebration of Life one day, to be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations to help cover final expenses are appreciated. 

For now, a Memorial Parade in Marilyn's honor will be held this Friday, May 1. The new “drive-by parade” will line up by the Big Butternut Boat Landing at 1:45 p.m. and the route will be clearly marked. Cars, trucks, ATVs or any method of transportation is acceptable, but one must abide by social distancing and not leave vehicles. The family will be gathered in the yard at Marilyn's, 1446 Chippewa Trail, Luck, Wis., 54853. There will be a big box to toss a card in if you like, but we can't pass out memorials. Honk if you love Marilyn – til she hears it in heaven. Bless you all. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home

Last Update: Apr 29, 2020 5:46 am CDT