Olaf A. Berge

Olaf A. Berge, 95, Jamestown, North Dakota, died Sunday, April 11, 2010 at Hi-Acres Manor Nursing Home in Jamestown.

Olaf A. Berge was born in Sanborn, North Dakota March 11, 1915 to Ellen (Axelson) Berge and Andreas Berge. He graduated from elementary and secondary school at Svea Consolidated School near Litchville, ND and was on the all-North Dakota basketball team for 1934. He then received a four-year academic and sports scholarship to Jamestown College. Ole was co-captain of the basketball team which completed the 1938-39 season without losing a conference game and is now in the Jamestown College Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduating in 1939 he taught high school history and coached basketball in Willow City and Mohall, ND.

In January 1942, while pursuing a degree in Education at the University of Oregon, he volunteered for the Army Air Force, and in 1943 was sent to England for service for 13 months in the European theater. As bombardier and navigator he flew 79 combat missions in the B-26 Marauder bomber. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, a Purple Heart, and was also awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross by Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory. His service included the successful raid on Shiphol Airfield in Amsterdam as lead bombardier. On D-Day in 1944, Ole took part in the initial bomber attack on gun emplacements above the beaches of Normandy.

Ole married his childhood sweetheart Margaret Larson October 20, 1944. After the war Ole and Margaret lived near Tacoma, Washington where he taught history for two years. They then returned to Svea township where Ole farmed and taught high school. In 1950 they built a house in Jamestown, continuing to operate the farm in Svea. In the mid-60’s he began a new career in social work with Stutsman County in Jamestown, serving and advocating for the elderly until “retirement” at age 65. Because of Ole’s love of the land he again returned to farming and continued until age 83!

Throughout his life Ole was very active in his community and church. He taught adult Sunday School for over 40 years, delivered countless meals on wheels, contributed to Jamestown Kiwanis and enjoyed bowling. But most of all he was a devoted husband and father.

He is survived by his daughter Rebecca (Daryl) Johnson of Lopez Island, Washington, sons Paul (Dardy) Berge of Holmen, Wisconsin and Daniel (Kate) Berge of Seattle, Washington and seven grandchildren. Ole was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, and eight brothers and sisters. He leaves a priceless legacy of wisdom, kindness and generosity and was loved by all who knew him.