Rev. Msgr. Arnold J. Berg dies at the age of 94

Rev. Msgr. Arnold J. Berg, age 94, died Saturday, June 28, 2003.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, 2003, at the Church of St. Raphael, Springfield with burial at St. Raphael Cemetery, Springfield.

Monsignor Berg was born on August 9, 1908 in Springfield, MN. He was ordained June 3, 1933 at the St. Paul Cathedral by Archbishop John G. Murray. His first assignment was as Associate Pastor at St. Matthew, St. Paul from 1933-1943. Assignments as Pastor include: St. Mary, Seaforth from 1943-1947 and St. John the Baptist, Searles from 1947-1960. In 1958, Father Berg was appointed the first Chancellor of the New Ulm Diocese. In 1962, Pope John XXIII conferred upon him the honor of Domestic Prelate with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor.

At the close of twenty years of work for the Diocese Monsignor Berg wore many "hats" which included: Vicar General, Chancellor, Director of the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy Childhood Association, the Diocesan Mission of San Lucas Toliman, of the Worship Office, the Finance Office, of Investments, of Property Maintenance, of the Diocesan Insurance, and Bishop’s Representative on the Pension Plan for Priests. He devised the Diocesan United Fund (DUF) formula and wrote the first specifications for the Diocesan Insurance Plan.

On August 9, 1978 he retired from active ministry. On June 3, 1998, Monsignor Berg observed his 65th anniversary in the priesthood.