NEW ULM–Leo “Buddy” Berg Jr., age 89, of New Ulm, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Oak Hills Living Center.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH Chapel. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. on the same day, also at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH Chapel. Burial will take place at the New Ulm City Cemetery – Soldier’s Rest Section, with military honors provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard. Following the service, a celebration of life will continue at Turner Hall, 102 S State St, New Ulm.

Leo is survived by his daughters, Patricia (Ken) Osborne and Liz (Keith) Cooper; grandchildren, Samantha Steve, Parker Osborne, Alex Cooper, Austin Cooper; great-grandchildren, Jackson Steve, Elena Steve and Kauè Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Claire Berg; daughter, Barbara Appleby; sisters, Rita Robertson, Mary McGuirk, Corinne Underwood; brother, Richard Berg.

Leo H. Berg Jr. was born on January 9, 1935, to Leo and Mathilda (Jacobsen) Berg in New Ulm. He graduated from Cathedral High School and went on to graduate from St. John’s University. Leo served in the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Claire B. Peuser on July 21, 1956, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and they raised their family together in New Ulm.

Leo worked for E.G. Oswald Printing, and later bought the business. He was a member of the Park and Recreation Commission, the Sister City Commission, and the Concord Singers. From 1969 to 1972, he served as a City Councilman for Ward 3. In 1974, Leo co-founded Heritage Fest with the help of Dr. Howard Vogel and was the director of the festival for 27 years until his retirement in 2001. He also founded and served as president of the Minnesota Festivals and Events Association, served on the Minnesota Department of Tourism Center Commission, and was on the University of Minnesota Tourism Center Advisory Board. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Office of Tourism.

Leo was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He dedicated his life to putting New Ulm on the map, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Blessed be his memory.

Memorials are preferred to Hermann Monument Society and the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce.

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