Henry Berling

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Henry Berling, age 87 of Sauk Centre, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 4, 2023 at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with 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 from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church.

Henry was born at home in Meire Grove, Minnesota on July 8, 1936 to Joseph and Anna (Holdvogt) Berling. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1954 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 on August 29, 1959 in Melrose, Minnesota, 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 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 did also raise 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, WI, 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; sisters, Mildred (Lloyd) Poepping of St. Cloud and Rita (George) Meyer of Burnsville. He leaves behind a legacy of 18 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, Katherine and Gerald; sister, Josina Friederichs; and brother, John Berling.

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