Cleo Berg, 90, of Eau Claire, was lifted up to heaven's glory on January 1, 2013. She was born February 9, 1922, to John and Theora Rathke. She spent a lifetime of dedication to her family, always putting their needs at the forefront. She spent 40 years with her beloved husband Donald, until his passing in 1981. In 1998 she moved to Eastridge Estates Independent Living where she was blessed with many friends and staff who helped her immeasurably. In particular, she treasured the bonding that grew over the years with maintenance, Brian Spindler. Survivors include her daughters Donna Steinhauer (Gordon), Nancy Kraft (Richard) and Linda Steinhauer (Allen) all of Eau Claire, one sister and brother in law, Joan and Harold Reed of Eau Claire, a brother Laverne Rathke of Altoona, 8 grandchildren, 16 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Mom always reminded us to never say "Good Bye" but only "So Long". And so, "So Long" sweet mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. (Gone From My Sight by Henry Van Dyke) "I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone" Gone where? Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me -- not in her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!" A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 4, 2013, at the Lutheran Church Cemetery, 1820 Omaha St. in Eau Claire, with Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiating.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lutheran Church Cemetery 1700 Omaha Street Eau Claire WI 54701