Henry Berling

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Henry Berling, 87, of Sauk Centre, will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with the Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Aug. 4 at the church.

Henry was born in Melrose, July 8, 1936, to Joseph and Anna (Holdvogt) Berling. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1958 and worked on the family dairy farm. He served a short time in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1960. He married Lyla Roering Aug. 29, 1959, in Melrose, taking over the family farm that same year. He farmed his entire life and had a deep love for working the land and raising his family. 

He was active in his church and community. He served as a member of the Melrose High School Board for many years, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, MCCL and the National Farmers Organization. 

Henry milked cows most of his life but also raised beef cattle, hogs and sheep. He also worked several jobs, including insurance and oil sales. He loved to bowl and golf, play cards and read. While it’s hard to capture Henry in a few words, he will be missed most for his jovial nature, quick smile and mischievous spirit. He had a humble confidence and tirelessly served those less fortunate and without a voice. After retiring from farming, he made his home in Sauk Centre and cherished his neighbors and their life there.

Survivors include his wife, Lyla; sons Jim (Cathy) of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Steve (Brenda) of New Munich, Joe (Ann) of Melrose, and John (Debbe) of Taylors Falls; daughters Mary (Gary) Ramacher of St. Cloud, Julie Berling (Craig Lambrecht) of Melrose, and Karen (Kyle) Fagerland of Plymouth. He leaves behind a legacy of 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, who he all dearly loved.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, son Keith Berling, infant daughter and son Catherine and Gerald, sister Josina Friederichs and brother John Berling.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or your local Knights of Columbus chapter.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

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