Rachel L. Berg

Rachel Lavonne Berg passed away July 11, 2026 with her son at her side. She was born on September 19, 1939, to Hulda (Rongstad) and Gehard Bjornstad the oldest of five children. She attended Rognstad school and graduated from Westby High School with the class of 1957.

After high school she moved to Rockford, Illinois with her best friend where she worked at a pharmacy and experienced big city life. Rachel married Richard Berg June 27, 1959 at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. The couple lived in Rockford, Illinois for 9 years before moving to Coon Valley in 1968.

After living in town for a few years, they purchased land and built a home on North Ridge, down the road from the Berg farm. This allowed them to have weekly family get togethers that became legendary. Later she and Richie built their retirement home in Coon Valley in the Nelson Additon which had a beautiful sewing room for her and a space for Richie to enjoy his model trains. They also loved traveling with friends and bringing back souvenirs from every trip.

Rachel worked as a seamstress for Kaumas in La Crosse doing alterations. Not only was she a wonderful seamstress, but she also loved knitting and crocheting gifts for friends and family. She also loved to cook, bake and make preserves. The gift of her cookies was definitely a treat.

Faith was very important to Rachel, and she was an active member of the Coon Valley Lutheran Church where she participated in the ladies’ circle and the quilting group. She was also active in bible study and read her daily devotions. When life was challenging, she leaned on her faith to get through the difficult times. Rachel shared her faith with others and lived her life as a true servant of the Lord with kindness to everyone she met.

She is survived by her son Jeff (Leslie) and her beloved granddaughter Ashley who was the light of her life. She is also survived by sister-in-law Shirley Bjornstad, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joyce and Marvin Temp and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rachel was proceeded in death by her husband Richard, her daughter Shari and her siblings Myra, Lucy, Blaine and Gary as well as Richie’s siblings Mary, Kenny, and Jack and their spouses.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday July 18, 2026 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Ben Morris will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be directed to the Coon Valley Lutheran Church, the Chaseburg Soleburner or a charity of your choice.