Allen Lee Berge

May 23, 1952 -

May 1, 2025

Allen Lee Berge 72, a 50-year resident of Alaska, went to heaven on May 1, 2025, in Aurora, Colo. He was known as "Berge" to most. If you asked him his first name, he would reply, "Mister." He was born in Albert Lea, Minn., on May 23, 1952, to Alvin and Margaret (Rustad) Berge, and was raised in the rural town of Northwood, Iowa. He graduated from Northwood-Kensett HS in 1970. Growing up on the farm instilled in him a strong work ethic, which translated into all aspects of his life. Raised in a small community where people look out for one another, he was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and Iowa roots. Uff da! Berge embraced the 70s hippie movement and after graduation, left Northwood to explore new and different cultures. He spent time in Phoenix, working with mentor, Duane Thompson, and became a skilled carpenter. In 1975, he and several friends were lured by the trans-Alaska pipeline construction and headed north to Alaska. He was a perfect fit for life in Fairbanks, where he made many lifelong friends. They worked hard and played hard at hunting, fishing, camping, softball and general all-around fun in the midnight sun. It was there that he met his kindred spirit, Jamie Fleming, and they married in 1984. In 1986, they moved to Anchorage, where they resided until October 2024, when they moved to Colorado for health reasons. Berge worked for numerous companies on various projects throughout Alaska, leaving his mark on everything he touched and everyone he met. In the early '90s he and Jamie discovered Kona, and fell in love with the people and the land. They traveled to the Big Island regularly for 30 years and owned a home there for a time with one of their closest friends, Craig Thompson. Again, many lifelong friends were made, as it was hard not to love Berge. After retirement, he returned to his farming roots and worked for several years as a groundskeeper at Anchorage Golf Course, mowing the grass on the course where he loved to play. He also had that passion for his own yard, which he spent long hours grooming. None of his jobs provided him with as much joy as his last, being "manny" to next-door neighbor, Beau. He loved folk and rock music, with Bob Dylan, John Prine and Joni Mitchell among his favorites. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved college football - go Hawkeyes! - and major league baseball - go Twins! Anything Berge ever did was an adventure, and at least one story would come of it. Just about everyone who knew him has a "Berge" story to tell. He had a beautiful smile and a twinkle in his eye that made you wonder what he was up to. His genuine laugh and firm handshake were memorable, and he gave the best hugs. Although he and Jamie were not blessed with children, he enjoyed being Uncle Berge to nieces and nephews Punky, Amber, Katelyn, Kael, Kooper, Haley, Billy, Jack, George, Shawn, Charlotte, Max, Mikah, Emily and Quinn. He was blessed with three sisters: Marcia (Richard) Kraft, Julie Berge and Susie (Jay) Hahn. When he married Jamie, he received four more: Jody (Michael) Pease, Jennifer (Gyp) Hromadka, Jonnie Ackiss and Janelle (Mike) Sweeney. Somehow, he was always surrounded by women and was known to say, "That's right, boys, they're all with me"! Sadly, in 2019, Berge was diagnosed with a stroke-related neurological disorder which developed into dementia. He died unexpectedly on May 1, 2025, of complications due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the memory care facility where he was living. Jamie was by his side, holding his hand. We are grateful for the company, care and comfort given to him in Anchorage by his dear friends, Roger and Elizabeth, Pete, Mike and Saundra; and in Colorado by sister, Julie and Nancy Benedict. Thank you for all the comfort and beautiful words of love for Berge that you have shared with us in our heartbreak and grief. A Celebration of Life is being planned for summer 2025 in Anchorage. To honor his love of the game of golf and the organization's vision of creating opportunities for youth, memorial gifts may be directed to Anchorage Golf Legacy, anchoragegolflegacy.org.